System for parcel transport and tracking operated responsive to data bearing records

ABSTRACT

A system for parcel transport and tracking that operates responsive to data bearing records includes a plurality of geographically spaced repositories. The exemplary repositories include a plurality of enclosed compartments. Access to each of the enclosed compartments is controlled by a respective door which is in operative connection with a respective lock. Central system circuitry is in operative connection with the repositories and is operative to control access to the compartments and to cause compartments to be selectively accessible so that selected parcels may be placed therein or removed therefrom by authorized item handlers. The exemplary central system circuitry is further operative to make determinations concerning handling of a plurality of parcels together in respective bundles to facilitate the timely and cost-effective transport of the parcels between repositories.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This invention relates to a depository apparatus and system thatoperates to control and record the receipt and removal of deposit itemsin response to data bearing records. Exemplary arrangements relate tosystems that facilitate the pickup and delivery of items.

BACKGROUND

Depositories that operate to accept deposit items from users have beenimplemented in a number of different business environments. Commonlydepositories are implemented for receiving items that are to be providedto an owner of the depository. For example, depositories have beenimplemented to receive financial deposits, utility bill payments orother items of value which are to be provided only to the bank, utilitycompany or other entity that operates the depository. Generally thedepositories are implemented so that once an item has been depositedtherein by the user, only an authorized representative of the depositoryoperator is enabled to access the deposited items and remove them fromthe depository for further processing.

Various endeavors have been made to improve depositories and theprocesses associated with the receipt and removal of deposit items.However, depositories and depository systems may benefit fromimprovements.

SUMMARY

The exemplary arrangements described herein relate to depositories(which are alternatively referred to herein as repositories) andassociated systems that operate to accept and make available deposititems such as parcels to authorized users responsive at least in part todata read from data bearing records. Each exemplary depository includesa body that bounds an interior area which is configured to hold deposititems. The exemplary interior area includes one or more compartmentseach of which is accessible through a respective opening. Access throughthe opening to each compartment interior area is controlled by arespective door that is mounted in connection with the body and ismovable between open and closed positions. An electronic lock isassociated with each door. The lock is selectively changeable betweenlocked and unlocked conditions. In the locked condition the lock isoperative to hold the door in the closed position preventing access tothe compartment.

The exemplary depository is in operative connection with at least onesensor comprising a reading device. The reading device is configured toread indicia on items such as parcels that are positionable within theinterior area. The exemplary embodiment further includes at least oneinput device. The at least one input device is usable to input datawhich enables authorized users to access the interior area of thedepository.

In the exemplary arrangement the depository includes control circuitry.The control circuitry is in operative connection with the at least onereading device, the at least one input device, each of the locks and atleast one wireless communication device. Responsive to the receipt ofuser identifying information from data bearing records through the atleast one input device, the control circuitry is operative to cause anaccess determination to be made that the received user identifyinginformation corresponds to stored data associated with an authorizeduser that is authorized to access the interior area of the depository.Responsive at least in part to the determination that the data bearingrecord data corresponds to an authorized user, a lock associated with atleast one compartment is changed from the locked condition to theunlocked condition such that the authorized user can open the door andaccess the compartment interior area.

The exemplary control circuitry is further operative to receive from theat least one reading device item indicia from a deposit item that iseither being placed in or removed from the interior area. The exemplarycontrol circuitry is further operative responsive to the at least onereading device to determine an action status indicative of whether thedeposit item is removed from or placed into the interior area. An itemdetermination is made through operation of the control circuitryconcerning whether the item indicia that is read from the deposit itemcorresponds to stored data associated with a deposit item to be placedinto or removed from the interior area of the depository by theauthorized user.

Once the deposit item has been placed in or removed from the interiorarea of the depository, the door is closed and the control circuitry isoperative to return the lock to the locked condition. A system inoperative connection with the exemplary control circuitry is operativeto track the status of the deposit item. This may include for example,tracking transport of the deposit item to another depository into whichthe item can be deposited by the authorized user who removed it from thefirst depository, so that the item may then undergo further processingactivity. Alternatively, the system may enable a further authorized userto access and remove a deposit item that had been previously placed inthe depository, and track the receipt of the deposit item by anauthorized user that is the authorized recipient of the item.Depositories may include one or a plurality of interior areas the accessto each of which is selectively controlled by a respective door and arespective lock.

Exemplary embodiments of the control circuitry associated with thedepository enable determining the available space in the interior area.This enables evaluating whether the depository or a compartment thereinhas space available to accept a further deposit item prior to a user whois seeking to deposit an item being directed to the depository. Otherexemplary arrangements include one or more indicators which operateresponsive to the control circuitry and the at least one reading device,to provide indications to users that they have placed or removed properdeposit items from the interior area. Other exemplary arrangementsinclude the ability for the depository to provide audit information thatincludes identifying indicia associated with deposit items currentlypositioned in the interior area, as well as data regarding itemspreviously placed in or removed from the depository. Exemplaryarrangements may also capture and store images of users and deposititems to further provide records of activities conducted at thedepository. Further exemplary arrangements provide information to itemcarriers that transport items between depositories and that pickup anddeliver deposit items at customer locations. Further exemplaryarrangements provide for the efficient transport of deposit itemstogether in bundles between the depositories.

Numerous other features and arrangements may be used in exemplarysystems to provide reliable, cost-effective deposit and item trackingcapabilities.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a depository of an exemplary embodimentwith access to the interior area thereof closed, and a portable wirelessdevice which may be used in conjunction with operation of thedepository.

FIG. 2 is a view similar to FIG. 1 but with the interior area of thedepository accessible from outside the depository.

FIG. 3 is a schematic view of exemplary control circuitry used inconnection with the depository.

FIG. 4 is a schematic view of a network in which the exemplarydepository may be operative.

FIG. 5 is a plan view of a portable wireless device that is usable by anauthorized user of the depository in connection with obtaining accessthereto for placing items into or removing items from the interior areaof the depository.

FIG. 6 is a schematic view of the circuitry associated with the deviceof FIG. 5 and an associated system for producing data bearing recordsthat can be associated with deposit items.

FIG. 7 is a plan view of the portable wireless device that may be usedby an authorized user to access the interior area of a depository forpurposes of taking deposit items therein for transport.

FIG. 8 is a schematic view of circuitry associated with the device ofFIG. 7 , including the capabilities for tracking the device and deposititems associated with the user thereof.

FIG. 9 is a schematic view of types of data bearing records included inan exemplary system related to authorized users who transport deposititems between depositories.

FIG. 10 is a schematic view listing types of data bearing recordsincluded in an exemplary system associated with depositories related toauthorized users who place deposit items in depositories for subsequenttransport and/or who remove items from depositories for purposes ofreceiving such items.

FIG. 11 is a schematic view listing types of data bearing recordsincluded in an exemplary system which relate to entities that are theowners of the exemplary depositories.

FIGS. 12 through 27 are a schematic representation of logic flow carriedout by the control circuitry of the exemplary depository, associatedcentral system circuitry and devices operated by authorized users whoplace deposit items into and/or remove deposit items from thedepositories.

FIGS. 28 through 30 are a schematic representation logic flow carriedout by the control circuitry of an exemplary depository, associatedcentral system circuitry and devices operated by authorized users inconnection with removing a deposit item from a depository.

FIGS. 31 through 34 are a schematic representation of logic flow carriedout by the control circuitry of the exemplary depository, associatedcentral system circuitry and devices operated by authorized users inconnection with delivery and payment associated with a deposit itemplaced in the depository.

FIG. 35 is a block schematic overview depicting the modules inassociation with the controller and sensor/actuator array.

FIG. 36 is a perspective view of a repository embodiment according toaspects of exemplary systems.

FIG. 37 is an exploded perspective view of the repository depicted inFIG. 36 .

FIG. 38 is a perspective view of the repository shown in FIG. 36 , witha parcel delivery chute door in a partially opened position.

FIG. 39 is a perspective view of the repository shown in FIG. 36 , witha parcel delivery chute door in a fully opened position.

FIG. 40 is a block diagram representation of a controller boardaccording to an exemplary arrangement.

FIG. 41 is a diagrammatic representation of a controller boardprocessor/memory and peripherals interface.

FIG. 42 is a block diagram representation of control, data, and addressmessaging between a processor, a peripherals interface and peripheralI/O devices.

FIG. 43 is a block diagram of a controller board according to anexemplary arrangement, showing various peripherals, interface busexamples, power supply and a number of examples of peripherals.

FIG. 44 is a detailed layout of an exemplary embodiment showing acontroller board with connections to various peripherals, a connectionto a delivery lock box and its associated peripherals.

FIGS. 45 through 48 are views of an alternative item repositoryincluding a plurality of selectively accessible interior areas forhousing delivery items.

FIG. 49 is a schematic view of a system for the delivery of deliveryitems.

FIG. 50 is a schematic view of system circuitry associated with adelivery item system.

FIG. 51 is a schematic view showing a plurality of geographic catchmentareas and associated parcel repositories.

FIGS. 52 through 59 are a schematic representation of logic flow carriedout by exemplary central system circuitry in determining the bundling ofparcels with other parcels for transport and the path for transport ofsuch bundles.

FIG. 60 is a schematic representation of the data bearing recordsassociated with exemplary parcel bundles.

FIGS. 61 through 68 are schematic representations of calculationscarried out by the central system circuitry in making a bundlingdetermination for an incoming parcel to a receiving repository.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring now to the drawings and particularly to FIG. 1 , there isshown therein an exemplary depository generally indicated 10. Adepository is alternatively referred to herein as a repository. Theexemplary depository shown includes a body 12 which bounds an interiorarea 14 (see FIG. 2 ). The interior area 14 is accessible from outsidethe body 12 through an opening 16. A door 18 is movably mounted inoperative connection with the body through hinged connections. The door18 is sized for closing the opening 16 when the door is in a closedposition as shown in FIG. 1 . The door 18 is movable to an open positionshown in FIG. 2 in which at least a portion of the door is disposed fromthe opening 16 and the interior area 14 is accessible from outside thebody 12.

The exemplary depository 10 further includes at least one input device20. In the exemplary embodiment the at least one input device includes amanually accessible input device that is operatively accessible when thedoor is in the closed position. In some exemplary embodiments the atleast one input device 20 includes a keypad through which codes can bemanually input. Further in exemplary arrangements the at least one inputdevice includes a radio frequency (RF) input device such as a wirelesstransceiver that is operative to communicate wireless signals with aportable wireless device 22. In some exemplary arrangements the RF inputdevice may include a wireless communication device that is operative tocommunicate signals via a Bluetooth, NFC, cellular or other wirelesscommunication method.

In other exemplary embodiments input devices may include other types ofreaders or devices that are operative to receive or read indicia.Exemplary input devices may include without limitation, card readers,token readers, barcode readers, infrared readers or other types ofdevices that may receive inputs that are usable to determine whetheraccess to the depository should be provided. Of course it should beunderstood that multiple different types of input devices may be used inoperative connection with a single depository depending on the accessrequirements thereto.

The exemplary depository further includes at least one electricallyactuated lock 24. In the exemplary embodiment the lock is changeablebetween a locked condition in which the door 18 is held in a closedposition, and an unlocked condition in which the door is enabled to bemoved from the closed position to the open position. The exemplarydepository is in operative connection with at least one sensor whichcomprises a reading device 26. In the exemplary embodiment the at leastone reading device may include one or a plurality of image capturedevices including at least one camera. In other arrangements the readermay comprise a portable wireless device. The at least one reading deviceof the exemplary arrangement is usable to read machine readable indicia28 that is included on deposit items 30. In exemplary arrangements thereading devices 26 are operative to read indicia such as bar codes(including without limitation two-dimensional bar codes and QR codes)that are included on deposit items. Further in exemplary arrangementsthe at least one reading device is operative to capture informationusable to make a status determination that a deposit item is removedfrom or placed into the interior area of the depository. It should beunderstood however that although in the exemplary embodiment the sensorscomprising reading devices operate to read visible indicia and captureimages, in other arrangements other types of reading devices that readdifferent types of signals or indicia may be utilized. This may includefor example, card readers, fingerprint readers or other types ofbiometric readers including cameras or microphones, LIDAR image capturedevices and readers that are capable of communicating using wirelesssignals such as the wireless input devices previously discussed.

The exemplary depository 10 further includes at least one indicator 32.As later discussed, the exemplary at least one indicator may include anoutput device operative to provide an indication as to whether a deposititem that is being placed in or removed from the interior area of thedepository is a correct item to be removed by the particular user whohas accessed the depository. In other exemplary arrangements, the atleast one indicator may include an output device in operative connectionwith the depository, such as an output device of a user's portablewireless device. The exemplary depository further includes at least onesensor that comprises a weight sensor 43. The at least one weight sensoris usable to determine the weight of one or more items that are withinan interior area of the depository. The exemplary depository furtherincludes a wireless communication device 34. The wireless communicationdevice which is alternatively referred to herein as a wirelesscommunication portal or a wireless communication interface is operativeto enable the control circuitry associated with the depository tocommunicate with one or more local or remote systems or devices as laterdiscussed. In some arrangements, the wireless communications device mayinclude a wireless input device 20. Exemplary depository 10 furtherincludes solar panels 36. The exemplary solar panels 36 are in supportedconnection with the door 18 and are suitable for providing electricalpower to the depository from exposure of the solar panels to sunlight.In the exemplary arrangement a manually engageable handle 38 is inoperative connection with the door 18 to facilitate the manual openingand closing thereof by authorized users. Of course it should beunderstood that these depository devices and configurations areexemplary and in other embodiments other configurations may be used.

As shown schematically in FIG. 3 the exemplary depository is inoperative correction with control circuitry 40. The exemplary controlcircuitry includes one or more circuits which are operative tocommunicate electrical signals and control the operation of the devicesof the depository. The control circuitry may be located proximate to thedepository or may have some portions remotely located therefrom. In theexemplary arrangement the control circuitry 40 includes at least onecircuit including at least one processor schematically indicated 42 andat least one data store schematically indicated at 44. In exemplaryarrangements the processor may include a processor suitable for carryingout circuit executable instructions that are stored in the one or moreassociated data stores. The processor includes or is in operativeconnection with a non-volatile storage medium including instructionsthat include a basic input/output system (BIOS). For example, theprocessor may correspond to one or more of a combination of a CPU, FPGA,ASIC or any other integrated circuit or other type of circuit that iscapable of processing data and instructions. The one or more data storesmay correspond to one or more of volatile or non-volatile memories suchas random access memory, flash memory, magnetic memory, optical memory,solid state memory or other devices that are operative to store computerexecutable instructions and data. Processor executable instructions mayinclude instructions in any of a plurality of programming languages andformats including, without limitation, routines, subroutines, programs,scripts, threads of execution, objects, methodologies and functionswhich carry out the actions such as those described herein. Structuresfor processors may include, correspond to and utilize the principlesdescribed in the textbook entitled Microprocessor Architecture,Programming and Applications with the 8085 by Ramesh S. Gaonker (PenramInternational Publishing 2013), which is incorporated herein byreference in its entirety. Exemplary arrangements may include processorsmade by Intel Corporation, Advanced Micro Devices or other suitabletypes of processors. Of course it should be understood that theseprocessors are exemplary of many types of processors that may be used.

The exemplary data stores used in connection with exemplary embodimentsmay include one or more of several types of mediums suitable for holdingcircuit executable instructions and data. Such instructions and data maybe non-transitory. These may include for example, magnetic media,optical media, solid-state media or other types of media such as RAM,ROM, PROM, flash memory, computer hard drives or any other form of mediasuitable for holding data and circuit executable instructions. Exemplarycontrol circuitry may include other components such as hardware and/orsoftware interfaces for communication with devices within the depositoryor for communication with external devices and systems. The exemplarycontrol circuitry 40 further includes a clock 46. The clock is operativeto provide time functions in connection with operation of the depositoryand associated systems as later discussed.

As represented in FIG. 3 the control circuitry 40 is in operativeconnection with the at least one input device 20, the lock 24 and the atleast one sensor including the at least one reading device 26. Thecontrol circuitry 40 is further in operative connection with the atleast one indicator 32, the at least one weight sensor 43 and the atleast one wireless communication device 34. In the exemplary arrangementthe devices of the depository and the control circuitry are powered by abattery 48. The battery 48 is in operative connection with the solarpanels 36. The control circuitry is operative to control the delivery ofpower to the battery such that the battery maintains a suitable powerlevel for operating the depository during both light and darkness.However other embodiments may include other power sources, including theability to connect to a suitable available supply of household currentor other power for purposes of operating the depository.

While the exemplary depository includes a single interior area forholding deposit items, other depositories may have other configurations.Such other configurations may include a plurality of interior areas orcompartments, each of which are accessible via a respective opening,each of which openings has an associated closable door, drawer or otherclosure member, each of which is referred to herein as a door forbrevity. Exemplary arrangements of depositories including a plurality ofinterior areas are discussed hereafter in this detailed description.

FIG. 4 shows schematically an exemplary network 50 in which depository10 may be operated. It should be understood that this exemplary networkarrangement is shown schematically and in exemplary arrangements thenetwork may include a plurality of interconnected networks.

In the exemplary arrangement a plurality of depositories 10, 52, 54, 56and 58 are in operative connection with the network. In some exemplaryarrangements all these depositories may be similar to depository 10previously discussed. The control circuitry associated with each of thedepositories is operative to communicate in the network through therespective wireless communication device associated with the depositorywhich may be alternatively referred to herein as a wireless transceiver.Of course it should be understood that in other arrangements thedepositories may be in operative connection with one or more networksvia other wired or wireless communication methods. Further it should beunderstood that exemplary embodiments may include a much larger numberof depositories than is represented in FIG. 4 .

The exemplary network 50 is in operative connection with central systemcircuitry 60. The exemplary central circuitry includes one or moreprocessors and data stores of the types previously discussed. In somearrangements the central system circuitry 60 which is alternativelyreferred to herein as central or control circuitry, may include one ormore servers that are in operative connection with associated datastores 62, and that perform the functions hereinafter described. Theexemplary central system circuitry includes or is in operativeconnection with a clock schematically indicated 61. Exemplaryarrangements may include central system circuitry located at a singlelocation, or central system circuitry in a distributed arrangement ofcontrol circuitry which operates in a cloud environment, virtual serverenvironment or other suitable environment for performing the functionsdescribed herein. Numerous different types of central system circuitryarrangements may be utilized in connection with exemplary embodiments.

The exemplary network further includes a plurality of portable wirelessdevices that are operated by users who wish to send deposit items toothers or to receive deposit items from others through the use of thedepositories and associated system. Devices 64, 66 and 68 in FIG. 4 arerepresentative of devices associated with individuals who send and/orreceive deposit items.

In exemplary arrangements the devices may comprise portable wirelessdevices associated with users who are registered users of the system. Insome exemplary arrangements the registered users may have stored in atleast one data store associated with the central system circuitry, useridentifying data such as an ID token that uniquely identifies theregistered user, contact data associated with a device of the registereduser such as a communication address such as a phone number or networkaddress associated with a user's portable wireless device, funds sourcedata that corresponds to a source of funds such as a credit or debitcard account or similar monetary account which in exemplary arrangementsmay be credited or debited through operation of the system, as well asother associated data. Of course it should be understood that this datathat is associated with registered system users is exemplary and inother arrangements other types of registered user information may beutilized.

FIGS. 5 and 6 show an exemplary portable wireless device 64 that is usedby such users in the exemplary network. Devices 66 and 68 may be similarto device 64. Device 64 in some exemplary arrangements may include aportable smart phone, a tablet or other portable wireless device whichincludes user input devices and user output devices such as anassociated touchscreen 70. The exemplary device 64 may include otherinput devices such as a camera 72, as well as an audio input device suchas a microphone 74 and an audio output device such as a speaker 76. Abiometric reader such as the camera, the microphone or other reader suchas a fingerprint reader may also be included. The exemplary device 64further includes at least one wireless communication device 78. The atleast one wireless communication device may include a device suitablefor Wi-Fi or cellular communications. The at least one wirelesscommunication device 78 may also include a local RF communication devicefor providing Bluetooth or NFC communication. Of course these devicesare exemplary.

The exemplary device further includes control circuitry 80. The controlcircuitry is similar to that previously discussed and may include atleast one processor 82 and at least one data store like those previouslydescribed. The exemplary control circuitry is in operative connectionwith the component devices of the device 64 as shown in FIG. 6 . Inaddition to communicating in the network 50, the exemplary device 64 isalso enabled to communicate with other devices in other networks such asnetwork 86. Network 86 may include a printer 88 or other device that isoperative to produce data bearing records 90. Such data bearing recordsmay include labels bearing parcel identifying indicia or other datasuitable for use in connection with the exemplary embodiments laterdiscussed.

The exemplary network 50 is also in communication with the plurality ofportable wireless devices associated with individuals who are itemcarriers that transport deposit items between depositories. Itemcarriers may be alternatively referred to herein as item handlers. Theseportable wireless devices schematically indicated 92, 94, 96, 98 and 100may be used by authorized and/or registered system users to accessdepositories for purposes of placing deposit items therein or removingdeposit items therefrom. Deposit items are alternatively referred toherein as delivery items or parcels.

As represented in FIGS. 7 and 8 the exemplary portable wireless devicessuch as device 92, that is operated as a carrier contact device(alternatively referred to as an item handler device) by an individualuser who is an item carrier that transports deposit items, may includemobile phone devices including an input output device such as atouchscreen 102. Devices 94, 96, 98 and 100 may be similar to device 92.Exemplary device 92 may further include a camera 104, as well as amicrophone 106 and a speaker 108. It may also include other types ofbiometric readers and other devices. The exemplary device 92 furtherincludes at least one wireless communication device 110. The at leastone wireless communication device 110 may include a Wi-Fi interface,cellular phone interface, Bluetooth, NFC or other wireless interface ofthe types previously discussed. Further in the exemplary arrangementdevice 92 includes a wireless communication interface suitable forproviding tracking of the device via a global positioning system (GPS).The GPS capability enables tracking the device as well as the itemcarrier user and deposit items associated therewith in a manner that islater discussed. Alternatively, cellular tracking systems or othertracking systems may be used. The exemplary device further includescontrol circuitry 112. The control circuitry 112 includes at least oneprocessor and at least one data store of the types previously described.The control circuitry 112 enables operation of the device 92 in themanner later discussed.

The exemplary network 50 may also be in operative connection withportable wireless devices which are operated by entities that are ownersof respective depositories or other entities having responsibility fordepositories, which are also referred to as owners herein. Such ownersare registered system users in the exemplary arrangement. These portablewireless devices schematically represented 114, 116 in FIG. 4 may besimilar in exemplary embodiments to wireless device 64 previouslydiscussed. However such devices may further include circuit executableinstructions that additionally provide capabilities for the owner of thedepository to receive payments from the operator of the system for theuse of their depositories in connection with the storage and transportof deposit items. In exemplary arrangements such payments are made forthe receipt, storage or delivery of deposit items that are placed intothe depository by third parties for purposes of having the deposit itemstransported to an entity other than the entity associated with theparticular depository into which the item is deposited or received intothe repository for purposes of pickup by another delivery itemrecipient.

It should be understood that the network configuration 50 and thedevices in operative connection therewith are exemplary. Numerous othertypes of devices, network configurations and arrangements may beutilized in connection with exemplary embodiments. Further while theexemplary devices operated by users of the system have been generallydescribed as portable wireless devices, it should be understood thatother types of stationary or portable computer devices may be operatedin connection with the system to carry out the functions describedherein.

In exemplary arrangements the central system circuitry 60 is operativeto include in at least one or more associated data stores 62, datarecords related to devices that are utilized in connection with theexemplary system. For example in exemplary arrangements the data storesinclude identifying data regarding each depository and its respectivelocation. Data stores may include data regarding registered system usersof the types previously discussed. The stored data regardingdepositories in exemplary embodiments also includes data regarding theentity that is the owner of the depository, and restrictions that theentity who is the owner of the depository may have placed on the usethereof. For example in some arrangements the owner of the depositorymay restrict use solely to receiving therein or having removed therefromdeposit items that are received or sent by the owner of the depository.Other depository owners may establish rules which allow other entitiesto provide deposit items into the depository for transport elsewhere, orto receive items in the depository that can be taken from the depositoryby the authorized recipient entities.

Other exemplary rules that may be established in connection withdepositories may include only having the depository available to beaccessed by certain transport users, such as users who have achieved acertain security level or performance rating. This may include forexample transport users for deposit items who have achieved above acertain rating based on background checks and/or measured metrics forperformance, reliability and dependability. Other rules associated withdepositories may include restrictions on days of the week and/or timesduring particular days when entities other than the depository owner arepermitted to access the depository. Numerous different restrictions maybe set for depositories by depository owners or the central systemcircuitry operator for purposes of operating the depository inconnection with the system.

In addition stored data regarding depositories may include informationrelated to security features or other features associated with thedepository. For example in order to provide secure communication betweenthe central circuitry and each depository, the depository and thecentral circuitry may have respective public and private key pairs anddigital certificates that enable secure communication between thecentral circuitry and the control circuitry of the respectivedepository. This enables the control circuitry of the depository and thecentral circuitry to identify the system originating messages and to beassured of the origin of received messages. In addition the centralcircuitry and the control circuitry of each depository may includerespective programming that enables the sending of instructions or othermessages which enable the operation or performance of certain functions.For example the control circuitry of the respective depository mayinclude programming from the central system that is operative to causethe locking or unlocking of the respective lock of the depository inresponse to the receipt of certain messages and/or data by thedepository from the central system. Further in exemplary arrangementsthe central system may be operative to cause the control circuitry of arespective depository to operate the plurality of reading devicestherein for purposes of determining the amount of space that iscurrently available in the interior area of the depository. Suchfunctionality may enable the central circuitry to determine the abilityof the particular depository to accept therein a deposit item having aparticular size that may be available for deposit into the depository.

Further in exemplary embodiments the central circuitry may operate inaccordance with its programming to maintain data corresponding to theindicia associated with deposit items that are currently positioned inthe interior area of each depository. Further, in exemplary arrangementsthe central system may communicate with a respective depository so as tocause the control circuitry thereof to deliver to the central circuitry,data corresponding to activities that have been conducted at thedepository. This may include not only the indicia usable to identifydeposit items currently therein, but also historical record data relatedto deposit items placed into the depository and/or deposit items removedtherefrom, and data associated with the users and times associated witheach respective activity that has occurred. In exemplary arrangementseach depository may also operate to have its control circuitry storeimages associated with activities that occur at the depository. This mayinclude images of each user who places a deposit item into or removes adeposit item from the interior area of the depository. Such image datamay also include item identifying indicia included on each item that isplaced in or removed from the depository by the authorized user as wellas other data associated with each event or activity that has occurred.Instructions communicated from the central circuitry may be operative tocause the control circuitry of a respective depository to send imagedata corresponding to the captured images associated with the activitiesthat have occurred at the depository. This may further enabledocumenting the deposit or removal of deposit items as well asfacilitate resolving any discrepancies which may occur. Of course thesefunctions and capabilities, and stored record data of the centralcircuitry and each depository is exemplary, and in other embodimentsother approaches may be used.

Further in exemplary embodiments the central system circuitry 60 isoperative to include in the at least one data store 62 informationregarding the devices and authorized and/or registered users who utilizethe depositories included in the system. For example in an exemplaryembodiment the central circuitry is operative to include the informationshown in FIG. 9 for the devices such as devices 92, 94, 96, 98 and 100that are operated by the authorized users who access the depositoriesand transport deposit items. In the exemplary arrangements each of theauthorized and/or registered users has included in the data storeassociated with their portable wireless device, identifying data that isusable in conjunction with the depositories to indicate that the user ofthe device is an authorized and/or registered user. Such data mayinclude for example, ID token information which can be utilized toidentify the user as an authorized and/or registered user. Such tokeninformation may include digital information that can be correlatedthrough operation of the central circuitry with the identity of theparticular individual that is associated with operation of theparticular device. In addition such token information may include othertypes of data which can be used for identification purposes. Such othertypes of data may include for example, user biometric data such asfingerprint data, iris scan data or other data that comprises recorddata that is uniquely associated with the user.

Further in other exemplary arrangements stored data regarding users mayinclude other record data which may be utilized in connection withoperation of the system. For example in systems that utilize card datafor purposes of accessing depositories, the record data maintained bythe central circuitry may include the data corresponding to therespective user's card data and other associated data for the respectiveuser. This enables the system to compare the data received through theat least one input device of a depository, to stored data so as toidentify the person seeking access to the depository as an authorizeduser who is appropriately authorized to have access thereto. Of coursethe approaches described in connection with the authorized users areexemplary, and in other embodiments other approaches may be used.

Further as described in connection with FIG. 9 , the record dataassociated with devices operated by users who transport items mayinclude information regarding payments to such users. In the exemplarysystem the users who transport items between the depositories are paidfor the transport services. The payment for services may be based oncertain information regarding the particular depository item that istransported such as, the size of the item, the weight of the item, thedistance and timing associated with such transport and other factors.The exemplary data that is stored by the central circuitry furtherincludes data regarding payments that are made to the individuals whoperform the transport services. Such payment data may also include datasuch as account data associated with a funds source of the user whichenables the making of the payments to the user for the servicesprovided. Alternatively such funds source data may be associated with anaccount that can be credited for amounts payable or refundable. This mayinclude for example, information regarding a PayPal account, a Venmoaccount, a bank account, an electronic stored value account or otheraccounts into which appropriate payments to such users may be made.

Further in the exemplary arrangement the central circuitry is operativeto include data regarding the activities that are performed by eachrespective user who is an item carrier that transports deposit items inconnection with the system. Such data may include contact data for themobile wireless carrier contact device of the item carrier such as acommunication address of the carrier contact device. Such data mayinclude metrics which include information on the timeliness andreliability of the particular individual. For example as laterdiscussed, in some arrangements transport activities associated withparticular deposit items are assigned by the system to the particularauthorized user, and the activity may be reserved to the user for aparticular time. In cases where the particular user that is initiallyassigned to the activity does not perform the activity within theallotted time, the system is operative to reassign the activity toanother item carrier user. Such events where an activity is notperformed by a user is considered significant to the user's performance.Likewise in situations where an authorized user has taken longer thanwould normally be expected to accomplish the transport of the deposititem to a depository destination, such factors would also be significantin terms of the user's associated metrics. Losses of items and cases ofmisdirected deposit items are also significant metrics. These and othermetrics are recorded through operation of the central system circuitrywith regard to each authorized item carrier transport user.

Further the exemplary central system circuitry is operative to applyratings to each authorized user based on the metrics that are associatedwith the user's performance. Such user ratings may be utilized inconnection with screening authorized users for purposes of accessingcertain depositories and/or handling certain types or values of deposititems. Such ratings may also be utilized in connection with determiningthe rate that is paid to the user for the transport activities that areperformed. Of course these categories that are represented in FIG. 9 areexemplary and in other embodiments other or additional informationregarding such users may be stored and evaluated through operation ofthe central circuitry.

FIG. 10 shows schematically exemplary records and data items that may beassociated with shipper and recipient users and their associated devicesthat place items into depositories for purposes of requesting deliveriesto other depositories and/or that receive items from depositories. Suchshipper and recipient users may alternatively be referred to herein asitem handlers and their respective portable wireless devices referred toas handler contact devices. In the exemplary network arrangement thisdata would be associated with devices 64, 66 and 68 of registered users.As is the case in connection with individuals and devices that providetransport services, the data associated with these devices include IDtokens or other identifying record information that can be utilized toreliably identify that the user or device is one that is authorized toaccess the depository. As the individuals that provide the functions ofproviding deposit items to be transported to the depositories willgenerally be required to pay for the transport services, the centralcircuitry includes data for such users may include a fund source such asaccount data for assessing charges associated with payments forshipments. This may include credit card accounts, bank accounts, PayPalaccounts or other suitable accounts from which payments may be made.

Further in some exemplary systems individuals in this category maychoose to travel an extended distance to a depository in order toreceive a deposit item that would otherwise be handled by an itemcarrier user that is paid to transport the item to a destinationdepository substantially closer to the recipient or to a designateddelivery address that is not a depository. In such an exemplary systemif the recipient chooses to conduct a substantial portion of thetransport by taking the item from a depository that is remotely locatedfrom the destination that the person arranging for shipment has paid tohave the item delivered to, then the central circuitry is operative tocompensate the recipient for the transport activity associated withpicking up the item from the remote destination. As such the exemplarycentral circuitry includes data regarding account information which canbe credited for pickup amounts to which the authorized user receiving anitem may be entitled. This account information may include accountinformation for accounts which can be credited with value to therecipient for transport and pick up of deposit items. Of course itshould be understood that the data types shown for this category ofauthorized user and their associated devices in FIG. 10 is merelyexemplary of some items of information which may be included in recordsof the central circuitry.

FIG. 11 shows schematically exemplary record data that is associatedwith owners of depositories and their associated devices. The data shownin FIG. 11 would generally be associated with the devices 114, 116 thatwere previously discussed in connection with the exemplary network 50.Similar to other devices, the devices associated with depository ownerswould include the identifying information which identifies the user asan authorized or registered shipper or recipient user. In addition inthe exemplary arrangement the records associated with the depositoryowner includes data regarding the restrictions on the depositories suchas those previously discussed. The exemplary central circuitry isoperative to associate the depository owner with the respectivedepository that is owned by the depository owner and to cause therestrictions set by the owner for the depository to be applicable to therecords associated with the depository in the one or more data stores ofthe central circuitry.

Further in some exemplary arrangements the depository owners areentities that engage in sending deposit items for transport andreceiving deposit items. As such the data associated with the depositoryowners includes a funds source such as account information correspondingto accounts which can be assessed for charges associated with transportof deposit items to remote depository destinations. Further in exemplaryarrangements the central circuitry is operative to compensate depositoryowners for deposit items that are placed in the depository of thedepository owner by other authorized user individuals for purposes oftransport to other depositories. In the exemplary arrangement thedepository owner is compensated for the use of their depository by suchthird parties. The exemplary system is operative to include in the dataassociated with the depository owners, account information concerningaccounts that are credited through operation of the central circuitryfor the use of the depository by other authorized entities.

Of course the types of record data shown as maintained by the centralcircuitry for the different types of devices and users associated withthe system, are exemplary. Additional types of information willgenerally be stored in association with the various types of devices andusers to facilitate operation of the system and to providerecord-keeping and tracking for the activities that are carried out inconnection therewith. Further as can be appreciated, the centralcircuitry is operative to store data associated with the whereabouts ofdeposit items that are moving through the system at all times, and totrack the status of depositories, and individuals who provide transportfor the items, such that the whereabouts of each deposit item throughoutthe term of its inclusion in the system can be determined at all times.In exemplary arrangements the central circuitry is operative to estimatearrival times for depository items at destination depositories and makessuch data available to users responsible for sending the items andrecipients. Further historical information on each deposit item is alsomaintained for a programmed time. To assure that any errors or losssituations can be tracked, investigated and remedied, tracking and imagedata can be accessed through the central system circuitry and in somearrangements obtained from each of the respective depositories.

A schematic representation of the logic flow that is carried out throughoperation of the central system circuitry, the depositories and theportable wireless devices of entities that provide, transport andreceive deposit items, is shown in FIGS. 12 through 27 . This exemplarylogic flow of each of the devices involved is exemplary and is describedin connection with an example that is intended to be representative ofthe operation of the various devices. Deposit items are alternativelyreferred to herein as delivery items or parcels. Of course numerousother features and operations may be utilized in connection withexemplary embodiments.

The example of the logic flow commences with an authorized user of thesystem who wishes to have a deposit item transported to a remotedestination operating their respective portable wireless device such aswireless device 64. In the exemplary logic flow the entity wishing tohave the deposit item transported may be referred to as a shipper forpurposes of simplicity in connection with this particular example.

As represented in a step 118 the individual wishing to have a deposititem transported operates their associated device such as device 64 toprovide inputs which indicate that they wish to have an itemtransported. In a next step 120 the user operates the device to provideinputs which are usable to identify the user as an authorized and/orregistered user of the system. In a next step 122 the user is operativeto provide inputs to their device which indicate the payment method thatwill be utilized to make payment for the transport of the deposit item.In exemplary arrangements this may include selection from a menu toindicate the type of payment or account that the user wishes to utilizein connection with the deposit item. The user may also be required toprovide information or respond to certain questions regarding the item.These questions may include providing information regarding whether theitem is flammable or otherwise hazardous. The individual may also berequired to indicate whether the item contains perishable or fragilematerial. The user may also be required to provide information regardingthe dimensions of the item, the weight of the item and/or the value ofthe item. Of course these queries are merely exemplary.

In a step 124 the user operates the device to indicate a delivery itemoriginating address which corresponds to the origin for the transport ofthe deposit item. This may include the user's business address or otheraddress. In some arrangements the originating address may include abusiness address associated with the particular depository into whichthe deposit item will eventually be placed for purposes of initiatingthe transport activity. In a step 126 the user inputs to the device theaddress information for the delivery item destination location whichcorresponds to a point or area of delivery of the particular deposititem. This may include an address associated with a remote depositorythat is associated with the entity that will receive the deposit item.Alternatively in other arrangements the delivery address may include anaddress or area associated with an entity that does not have a dedicateddepository. In such cases the delivery address may include informationregarding an authorized user of the system that is enabled to access adepository that is located in proximity to them for purposes ofreceiving the deposit item to be transported. In other arrangements thedelivery location may be a commercial or residential address which isthe address of the recipient of the particular parcel.

In the exemplary arrangement the user wishing to arrange for transportof an item may wish to pay an incentive fee in order to have the itemdelivered more promptly or in accordance with other requirements. In theexemplary arrangement the programming associated with the user deviceenables the user arranging for transport to apply an incentive forparticular delivery parameters or timing that is associated with theparticular deposit item. This is represented in a step 128. This may bea payment for delivery within a set time such as within one day, forexample. Of course if the user does not wish to apply an incentive, theprogramming associated with the device will cause the standard ratesand/or parameters set through operation of the central circuitry toapply.

The exemplary programming associated with the user's device may includethe capability to capture images of the deposit item such that the sizeof the deposit item can be assessed. In some exemplary arrangements theuser device may require the user to input dimensions of the deposit itemand/or the weight thereof via a touch screen or other input device. Thisis represented in a step 130. Assessing the size of the deposit item isuseful for purposes of enabling the central system circuitry todetermine depositories where sufficient space is available in theinterior area for purposes of receiving the deposit item therein at thepresent time. This may be done in the manner previously discussed usingthe reading devices that are included in the respective depositories.The size as well as weight can also be factors in determining thecharges for transport of the deposit item.

In some exemplary arrangements the user may have circuit executableinstructions on their mobile device or other computer that guides orprompts a user to provide the necessary information for shipment. Inother arrangements the central circuitry may provide an online portalwhich the user may access to receive the prompts to input necessaryinformation, and to which the information may be supplied.

In the exemplary arrangement, once the information has been input by theuser to the device, the information regarding the request to transportthe deposit item is submitted to the central system circuitry as atleast one transport request message represented in a step 132. Thecentral circuitry is then operative to verify the identifyinginformation associated with the user that has submitted the request.This is represented in a step 134. This may include comparing useridentifying data stored in the user device such as an ID token that isincluded in the at least one transport request message, with stored dataassociated with authorized users by the central circuitry. The centralcircuitry is also operative to verify that the user who has submittedthe request has indicated a suitable funds source which provides apayment method associated with the central system in order to makepayment for the transport of the deposit item. The central systemcircuitry may also analyze the delivery item size data and/or weightdata included in the at least one transport request message to determineif the delivery item is suitable for transport through the system. Thisis represented in a step 136.

The central circuitry then operates to assign a parcel ID to theparticular deposit item as represented in step 138. The parcel ID isalternatively referred to herein as a delivery item identifier. The dataprovided by the user regarding the originating location and destinationlocation for the transport of the deposit item is also stored in atleast one data store associated with the central circuitry asrepresented in step 140. In some arrangements the central circuitry isthen operative responsive to the originating location information toresolve an originating depository that is considered the most suitablefor receipt of the deposit item. This is represented in a step 142.Generally the originating depository will be the depository located inclosest geographical proximity to the user wishing to have the deposititem transported. However, in order to assure that space for the deposititem is available in the nearest depository, the central circuitryoperates as represented at a step 144 to determine if the delivery itemis of a suitable size and/or weight to be transported and determinebased on stored data or through communication with circuitry of theinitially selected depository to verify that sufficient space isavailable to accept a deposit item of the size that was determined atstep 130. If such space is not available, the central circuitry operatesto determine an alternative available originating depository that hasthe space available to receive the deposit item therein. The centralsystem circuitry is operative to evaluate at least one of the sizeand/or the weight of the deposit item to determine if it is within atleast one size or weight limit. If the deposit item is not suitable fortransit due to size, weight or space factors the request is flagged tobe declined or be processed in a manner that provides special handling.

As represented in a step 146, once the originating depository forreceiving the deposit item is resolved, the central circuitry operatesto generate a one-time code to be input by the authorized user forpurposes of accessing the depository. The one-time code is alternativelyreferred to herein as an item depositor access code. The centralcircuitry is operative to correlate stored data corresponding to atleast two of the authorized user identifying data, the delivery itemidentifier, and the depository which receives the item from the userand/or a respective interior area thereof, in the at least one datastore. In a step 148 the central circuitry is then operative to send theoriginating depository location information and the code data to theuser's device. In exemplary arrangements the depository identifying datafor the originating depository may include GPS coordinates, address dataor other information that can be used to locate the depository.

As represented at step 150 the user's device is operative to receive thedata from the central circuitry. In situations where the transaction isnot accepted due to an invalid funds source or a parcel size or weightoutside a set limit, the user is notified the transaction is denied, oralternatively the user is provided with instructions to obtain specialhandling. If the transaction may proceed the user may then operate theirdevice in the manner represented in FIG. 6 to produce a data bearingrecord which includes data representative of the origin and destinationaddress as well as indicia corresponding to the delivery item identifierwhich uniquely identifies the deposit item. The delivery item identifieris alternatively referred to herein as a parcel identifier. This isrepresented by a step 152. In the exemplary arrangements the deliveryitem identifier may be encoded in identifying indicia that may include amachine readable bar code, a QR code or other suitable machine readableindicia which comprises record data which can be read for purposes ofidentifying the deposit item. As represented in a step 154 in theexemplary arrangement the user may operate their device in associationwith a label printer to produce a label which is then applied to thedeposit item. In the exemplary arrangement the label that is applied tothe deposit item is externally visible such that the machine readableindicia thereon that corresponds to the delivery item identifier can beread through operation of the reading devices such as a reader includedin the depository or a user's portable wireless device. The label mayalso include human readable indicia so that the particular deposit itemcan be visually identified by item carrier users or other users whoaccess the depository. Of course it should be understood that in otherexemplary arrangements other types of indicia may be utilized forpurposes of providing identifying indicia. Such indicia may include forexample, programmable RFID tags, QR codes, a signature or other manuallymade indicia, an image of the deposit item, or other indicia that may beplaced in operative connection with a deposit item for purposes ofenabling the identification of the item through operation of the system.

As represented in a step 156 the user seeking to have the deposit itemtransported may utilize their device to guide their travel to the GPSlocation or other location as identified to the device, so that the usermay place the item into the originating depository. In the exemplaryarrangement the user operates their device to cause data correspondingto a data bearing record which identifies the user, to the at least oneinput device on the depository. This is represented by a step 158. Inthe exemplary arrangement the user device is operative to send useridentifying data such as the user token data to the RF input deviceincluded in the depository. The depository receives the user identifyingdata as represented in step 160. The control circuitry of the exemplarydepository is operative to enable the keypad of the exemplary embodimentto receive a manually input code therethrough from the user asrepresented at step 162. The input code may correspond to the one-timedepositor access code. Alternatively, in some arrangements the one-timeaccess code may be delivered wirelessly from the user's device to the RFinput device. Further in some arrangements user identifying data and theone-time code may be replaced by a single code string or object. Asrepresented at step 164 the control circuitry of the depository isoperative to wirelessly transmit at least one message including datacorresponding to the received user identifying data and the one-timecode as well as depository identifying data to the central circuitry.This may be done in a suitably encrypted manner or using other suitablesecurity techniques to assure that the data is not compromised.

The central system circuitry is operative to receive the data from thedepository as represented at a step 166. The central circuitry thenoperates as represented at step 168 to verify that the received useridentifying information corresponds to the authorized user, and that theone-time code corresponds to the code provided to the user in connectionwith the request to transport the deposit item. In the exemplaryarrangement the central circuitry is operative to assign to the user anitem depositor access code that can be utilized only on one occasion forpurposes of opening the central system assigned interior area of thedepository. This prevents the authorized user from opening otherdepositories or in some arrangements other interior areas orcompartments of the same depository, or opening the depository onmultiple occasions using the provided code. Of course it should beunderstood that this approach is exemplary and in other arrangementsother approaches may be used.

Responsive to the central circuitry making a determination based onstored data that the data received by the depository from the user isthe appropriate data for the user accessing the depository in connectionwith receiving the deposit item, the central circuitry is operative tosend one or more messages to the depository as represented in step 170.The messages include instructions and/or data which are operative tocause the repository control circuitry of the depository to unlock thelock which holds the designated depository door in the closed position.At a step 172 the control circuitry of the depository operates to verifythat the received message data corresponds to an authorized message fromthe central circuitry to unlock the lock. This may be done by ananalysis of the received message data including decryption of theinstructions and other data included in the message which verifies theinstructions as appropriately authorized by the central circuitry.

If the control circuitry of the depository determines that the messagedata from the central circuitry is genuine, the circuitry operates tocause the lock associated with the appropriate door and compartment tobe changed from the locked condition to the unlocked condition. This isrepresented at a step 174. The exemplary control circuitry then operatesto detect the opening of the depository door. In some arrangements thecontrol circuitry causes the plurality of reading devices to operate tocapture images including the indicia corresponding to the delivery itemidentifier included on the depository item as represented at step 176.In some arrangements control circuitry also operates to capture imagesshowing the user as well as the deposit item as it is being placed intothe interior area of the depository. These images are stored in the datastore associated with the control circuitry of the depository along withtime data to indicate when the activity occurred. In other exemplaryarrangements the user may be instructed to operate their portablewireless device to have a camera thereon capture an image of the itemidentifying indicia on the deposit item, identifying indicia on thedepository, or both. This is represented by a step 178.

Further in exemplary arrangements data from the at least one weightsensor may be captured to verify placement of the item in the depositoryand/or to detect the weight of the item. The additional weight added tothe depository may be used to verify that the weight indicated for theitem by the shipper is accurate. If the item is substantially heavierthan specified in the at least one transport request message, the personrequesting the shipment may be assessed an additional charge. Sensorssuch as image capture devices such as cameras or LIDAR sensors may beused to capture data that is used to determine the size of the item.This may be done so that the central system circuitry can verify thatthe parcel size is consistent with the parcel size data included in theat least one transport request message. Image sensors, sonic sensors orother sensors may operate to capture other properties such as color,sound absorption, reflectivity of light or sound waves, or other typesof signals as well as combinations thereof. Further the weight, sizeand/or other property (or a combination of properties) associated withthe item may be used by the central system circuitry as an additionalidentifying feature and tracking identifier for the item. Of coursethese approaches are exemplary.

In the exemplary arrangement the control circuitry associated with thedepository is operative to send at least one message including datacorresponding to the indicia read, detected and/or sensed from thedeposit item to the central circuitry as represented at step 180. Thecentral circuitry receives the data as represented at step 182 andverifies that the received data and read indicia corresponds to theidentifying information associated with the deposit item and theauthorized user who is authorized to place the deposit item in thedepository. This is represented by step 184. The central circuitry isthen operative to send one or more messages to the depository indicatingthat the deposit item is acceptable into the depository. This isrepresented by a step 186. It should be understood however that if thecentral circuitry determines that received data or the indiciaassociated with the deposit item is incorrect and/or does not correspondwith the authorized user who has accessed the depository, the centralcircuitry will send at least one message including data which isindicative of this discrepancy to the depository.

In the exemplary logic flow as represented at step 188 the wirelesscommunication portal of the depository receives the data indicative ofwhether the deposit item and its receipt into the depository isacceptable. The control circuitry of the exemplary depository thenoperates to provide an indication if the acceptance of the deposit itemis authorized. This is represented by a step 190. In the exemplaryarrangement, the control circuitry of the depository is operative tocause operation of the at least one indicator 32 to provide anindication as to whether the acceptance of the deposit item isauthorized. For example in an exemplary arrangement the indicator may beoperated to provide a green color light output when the deposit item isacceptable and a red color light output when the deposit item is notacceptable. In addition an audio annunciator output or other indicatoroutput may be output by the depository to indicate the acceptability orunacceptability of the deposit. In other exemplary arrangements, anindication of the acceptability of the deposit item may be sent to theuser's mobile device so as to cause at least one output from an outputdevice thereof. In other exemplary arrangements the door of thedepository may be spring loaded so that the door at least partiallyopens responsive to the deposit item being acceptable. Of course theseoutputs are exemplary, and in other arrangements, other types of outputsmay be provided.

Further in exemplary arrangements at least one message indicative of adetermination as to the acceptability or unacceptability of the deposititem or the associated circumstances may be sent by the central systemcircuitry to the portable device of the authorized user. Suchinformation may be sent in the form of a text message or other suitableoutput to indicate to the user the acceptability or unacceptability ofthe deposit item or activity. Such approaches may be useful in someexemplary systems for purposes of preventing users from making mistakesin placing incorrect deposit items into depositories. Such features maybe particularly helpful in situations where an authorized user may behandling multiple deposit items, some of which may be intended forplacement in a particular depository while others are not. Of coursethese approaches are exemplary and in other embodiments other approachesmay be used.

In some exemplary arrangements the control circuitry associated with thedepository is operative in a step 192 to evaluate the image datacaptured by the reading devices and/or the weight sensors to make anaction status determination. The action status determination includesevaluating the image data and/or weight data for purposes of determiningwhether the deposit item has been placed in or removed from the interiorarea of the depository. In alternative arrangements, the user may beprompted to provide at least one input to their mobile wireless deviceto indicate the deposit item has been placed in the interior area. Thewireless device sends at least one message indicative of the input. Inthis exemplary logic flow the determination of action status by thecontrol circuitry is indicative that the deposit item has been placed inthe depository. After the action status determination that the deposititem has been received, the control circuitry of the depository sensesfor the door of the depository being closed. This is done throughappropriate switches, detectors or the reading devices in operativeconnection with the control circuitry and is represented in a step 194.In some exemplary arrangements the repository control circuitry willcause at least one output device of the depository to provide outputswhich instruct the user to close the depository door in the event thatsuch action is not taken within a calculated time of the deposit itembeing received. In other exemplary arrangements the user's portablewireless device may receive messages from the central circuitry that arecaused to be sent responsive to messages from the depository in theevent that the user is detected as not taking appropriate steps towardsclosure of the door after the deposit item has been deposited in theinterior area.

Once the depository door is in the closed position, the controlcircuitry operates to cause the lock to be changed to the lockedcondition as represented in a step 196. The control circuitry of thedepository then operates to send one or more item received messages tothe central circuitry indicating that the interior area of thedepository has been made accessible responsive at least in part to theitem depositor access code, token data and/or other input data and thedeposit item has been received in the depository as indicated at step198. Responsive to receiving the at least one item received message fromthe depository and/or from the user's mobile wireless device, thecentral circuitry is operative to update the record data stored in itsassociated data store to reflect the status of the deposit item as beingwithin the particular depository as represented at step 200. The centralcircuitry may also operate to determine the remaining available volumeof space in the compartment or interior area in which the deposit itemhas been placed.

The exemplary central circuitry then operates to take the actionsnecessary to arrange for the deposit item to be transported from theoriginating depository into which it has been received, to a depositoryassociated with the destination location for the item. In somecircumstances the central circuitry is enabled to arrange for a singleauthorized user of the system to transport the deposit item from theoriginating depository into which it is received to another depositorywhich is a destination depository that corresponds to the delivery itemdestination, such as a final destination address for the deposit item.In other arrangements the system is operative to arrange for delivery toa recipient address rather than a depository. However, in manysituations the central circuitry must arrange for the transport of thedeposit item to an intermediate location which corresponds to adestination depository which is only part way to the delivery itemdestination. This occurs because the individuals available to transportthe deposit item are available only to transport the item to theintermediate destination. The central circuitry will then later arrangefor a different authorized user to transport the item from theintermediate destination to the depository at the final destinationdepository for the deposit item. Of course it should be understood whilethis example indicates that the deposit item is transported through adestination depository at one intermediate destination, other exemplarydeposit item transport situations will involve transport throughmultiple intermediate destinations. This is particularly true when thetransport of the deposit item is over a long distance. In some exemplaryarrangements the incentive payments which the system user arranging forthe transport can make, will help to reduce the number of intermediatedepository destinations and result in delivery of the deposit item tothe final destination more quickly.

As represented at step 202 an authorized system user that is willing totransport deposit items may operate their portable wireless device, suchas carrier contact device 92, to indicate their availability totransport deposit items by initiating operation of an application on thedevice. Such system users are alternatively referred to herein as itemcarriers or item handlers. In the exemplary arrangement the deviceapplication requires that the user sign onto the carrier contact deviceand provide appropriate carrier contact device data such as a telephonenumber or email address and user identifying information whichidentifies the particular user to the central circuitry, as representedat step 204. In exemplary arrangements the item carrier contact devicedata and other user identifying information as well as credentials suchas token data for the item carrier that may be stored in the user deviceand in the central circuitry, will have been previously establishedthrough a registration process applicable to authorized users. In theexemplary arrangement the circuit executable instructions associatedwith the user's device 92 also require that the user provide locationinformation such as through GPS data associated with the current carriercontact device location to the central system circuitry through at leastone driver data message. This is represented at step 206.

In the exemplary system a user may choose to transport deposit itemsbased on planned travel for other purposes. This may include forexample, the user having a daily commute to a job that is substantiallyremote from where they reside. Alternatively a user may have plannedtravel for personal or other purposes to a destination, and is willingto transport deposit items in the course of their personal travel.Alternatively a user may be willing to perform transport services ofdeposit items to any local location to receive compensation for thetransport services. As represented in step 208 the user inputs to thecarrier contact device their available delivery location such as, forexample destination information related to their current travel plans,or if the user is willing to travel to any location within a setdistance range for purposes of making deliveries of deposit items. Insome arrangements the user may also indicate that they have specializedcapabilities such as handling fragile or perishable items, handlingrefrigerated items, handling large and/or heavy items, providingtransport for items in secure compartments and/or that they are bondedor insured for handling high value or legally controlled items. Asrepresented at step 210 the control circuitry associated with the user'sportable wireless carrier contact device is operative to send the dataregarding the available item carrier transport user in at least onedriver data message to the central circuitry for purposes of determiningif the item carrier user will receive transport job assignments whichwill result in compensation being paid to the user.

As represented at step 212 in an exemplary arrangement the centralcircuitry receives the data from the item carrier contact device andconducts an analysis of the received data as represented at step 214.The central circuitry is also operative to recover the stored dataregarding the rating information associated with the user as representedin step 216. The central circuitry is then operative to compare the dataassociated with the available transport user received in driver datamessages to the data associated with available transport jobs that needto be conducted. This is represented at step 218. Of course as can beappreciated, this activity is carried out by the central circuitry foreach authorized item carrier transport user that indicates availabilityto participate in providing transport services for deposit items at thecurrent time. The central circuitry is enabled to match availableauthorized item carriers with transport jobs in a manner that causes thedeposit items to be moved to either a respective final delivery address,a final delivery depository destination of the deposit item, or anintermediate delivery depository location at a depository that causesthe deposit item to move closer to its final delivery destination.

As represented in step 220 the central circuitry operates to match theauthorized transport item carrier current location and the associateditem carrier available delivery location data to the originatingdepository, the destination depository and the deposit item deliveryrequirements. The central circuitry is then operative to determine thedestination depository which is the endpoint destination for theavailable item carrier as represented in step 222. In other arrangementsthe end point for the delivery may be the address of the recipient. Inthis particular example the endpoint destination for the initial itemcarrier is an intermediate destination depository that is not the finaldestination for the particular deposit item. The central circuitry isthen operative to calculate the rate information for the transport useras represented in step 224. In an exemplary arrangement this calculationreflects an amount that the item carrier will receive for taking thedeposit item from the current depository in which it is located,transporting it to the designated intermediate destination depository,and placing the deposit item in the intermediate destination depositoryfor subsequent transport towards its final destination. In someexemplary arrangements the central circuitry may operate to determinemultiple parcels that can be transported together by the item carrier asa bundle to a destination.

As represented in step 226 in an exemplary arrangement the centralcircuitry operates to send one or more opportunity messages to thecarrier contact device which is the portable wireless device of the itemcarrier. The messages include the originating depository for pickup,parcel route for transport of the deposit item (or a bundle comprisingmultiple items), end point destination depository (or end point deliveryaddress) and monetary rate to be paid to the item carrier for transportof the deposit item. The messages may also provide an indication of thesize and weight of the deposit items. The exemplary messages may alsoinclude data to indicate to the item carrier how far the transport jobwill require the item carrier to go off their currently indicatedplanned travel route to the input destination at the originatingdepository and/or at the destination depository. In operation of theexemplary system the carrier contact device receives the data regardingthe transport assignment in at least one opportunity message asrepresented by a step 226. The control circuitry of the carrier contactdevice is then operative responsive to the received data in the at leastone opportunity message to provide one or more outputs to the itemcarrier user indicative of the available transport assignment. Theoutput data is then available for review by the item carrier user asrepresented at step 228. If the item carrier user finds the transportassignment details to be acceptable, the user operates the carriercontact device to provide one or more inputs as represented at step 230which indicates that the user accepts the transport assignment. Thecarrier contact device then operates in accordance with its programmingto send one or more item transport acceptance messages to the centralcircuitry as represented at step 232, indicative of the user acceptanceand willingness to transport the delivery item from the deliverydepository to the destination depository (or other end point location)in accordance with any other conditions specified in the at least oneopportunity message.

The central circuitry receives the at least one item transportacceptance message data from the user's carrier contact deviceindicating acceptance of the transport assignment as represented at step234. The central circuitry then operates to reserve the transportassignment for the item carrier as represented at a step 236. In theexemplary embodiment the central circuitry operates in accordance withits programming to reserve the transport assignment for the particularitem carrier user only for a limited period of time. This helps toassure that the deposit item is transported in a commercially promptmanner. In the event that the item carrier to which the transportassignment has been reserved does not act to obtain the deposit itemfrom the depository within the time period for which the transportassignment has been reserved, the central circuitry operates inaccordance with its programming to reassign the transport assignment toa different designated authorized item carrier. As can be appreciatedsuch a reassignment would generally require analysis of availabletransport carrier information and may change the route or otherinformation to which the deposit item is next transported. Of coursethese approaches are exemplary and in other embodiments other approachesto be used.

Also in an exemplary embodiment a transport item carrier may sendtransport acceptance messages to accept a plurality of opportunitymessages corresponding to transport assignments associated with the itemcarrier's planned or available delivery location travel. This mayinclude a plurality of different deposit items, each of which may have arespective different pickup originating depository or shipment locationand delivery destination depository or delivery location. Thecommunication between the user device and the central circuitry enablesstoring the data related to each deposit item and transport job on theuser carrier contact device to facilitate the activities that the itemcarrier is to perform in a proper manner and sequence.

In the exemplary arrangement once the transport assignment has beenreserved for the authorized transport user by the central circuitryresponsive to the at least one item transport acceptance message, thecentral circuitry operates in a step 238 to generate the one-timedesignated carrier access code that will enable the authorized user toaccess the originating depository in which the deposit item is currentlylocated. At step 240 the central circuitry then operates to send the atleast one transport assignment message to the carrier contact device.The at least one transport assignment message includes datacorresponding to the one-time designated carrier access code and thelocation data for the originating depository to the item carrier. Theuser's carrier contact device operates to receive the data such as inthe at least one transport assignment message represented at step 242.The exemplary central circuitry is operative to correlate the storeddata corresponding to at least two of the item carrier identifyinginformation, the delivery item identifier, and the depository from whichthe item carrier will receive the item and/or a respective interior areathereof, in the at least one data store such that they are stored incorrelated relation. The exemplary central circuitry is furtheroperative to store in correlated relation, the stored data regarding theone-time carrier access code and at least one of the item carrieridentifying information, the delivery item identifier and thedepository/interior area in which the delivery item is housed. Thecontact device then operates in accordance with its programming to guidethe item carrier such as through the use of GPS data, to the originatingdepository location at which the deposit item is to be picked up.

Once the item carrier has arrived at the originating depository, thecarrier contact device is operated by the item carrier to wirelesslysend their user identifying information from the carrier contact deviceto the at least one input device of the depository. In the exemplaryarrangement as represented at step 244, the user's wireless token datais sent from the carrier contact device of the user item carrier to theRF input device such as the wireless portal associated with thedepository. The control circuitry of the depository is operative toreceive user identifying data as represented at step 246, and is alsooperative to enable the keypad of the depository to receive an inputaccess code which may correspond to the one-time designated carrieraccess code as represented at step 248. In other arrangements thedesignated carrier access code may be received through other inputdevices in operative connection with the depository, such as forexample, the wireless portal. The control circuitry is then operativeresponsive at least in part to receipt of the input access code to sendat least one repository access request message as represented at step250. The at least one repository access request message includes datacorresponding to the user identification data, the input access codevalue and depository identifying data to the central circuitry. Thecentral circuitry operates to receive the data in the at least onerepository access request message from the depository as represented atstep 252 and makes an authorized access determination responsive toverifying based on the stored data that the user identifying datacorresponds to the authorized user who is to receive the deposit item,and that the input access code value corresponds to the designatedaccess code appropriate for accessing the depository (or in somearrangements a particular compartment thereof). In some arrangements thecentral circuitry is also operative to carry out the authorized accessdetermination responsive to the identifying data for the depositoryreceiving the input access code value and/or the user identificationdata corresponding to the origination depository for the transport ofthe deposit item. The authorized access determination is represented bystep 254.

Responsive to the authorized access determination that the useridentifying data and the one-time designated access code received at theoriginating depository is appropriate for accessing the deposit item,the central circuitry then is operative to send at least one repositoryaccess approval message to the originating depository as represented atstep 256 to enable the interior area holding the deposit item in thedepository to be accessed. As represented at step 258 the controlcircuitry of the originating depository is operative to receive andverify the genuineness of the message data from the central circuitry.Responsive at least in part to receipt and verification of the at leastone depository access approval message, the control circuitry isoperative to cause the lock to be changed to the unlocked condition asrepresented at step 260. The deposit item in the interior area of thedepository thereby becomes accessible to the item carrier. The exemplarycontrol circuitry associated with the originating depository is thenoperative to detect the opening of the door and to operate the sensorscomprising reading devices to capture the indicia such as machinereadable bar code for example, included on the deposit item that isremoved from the interior area of the depository as represented by step262. Alternatively in some arrangements the item carrier may capture animage of the item identifying indicia using their portable wirelessdevice. In some arrangements the exemplary control circuitry is alsooperative to capture a plurality of images including the user and thedeposit item, and to store the image data along with time data in thedata store associated with the depository control circuitry. The weightsensor is also operative to indicate the change in weight associatedwith the removed item. This is represented by step 264.

The exemplary control circuitry and/or portable wireless device is thenoperative to send at least one parcel removal message to the centralsystem circuitry, at step 266. The at least one parcel removal messageincludes parcel removal data corresponding to the identifying indiciaread by the at least one sensor from the deposit item and the weightdata. In other exemplary arrangements the parcel removal data mayinclude other data that can be detected or read by one or morereaders/sensors of the originating depository and/or through operationof the item carrier's portable wireless device. The central circuitryreceives the parcel removal data in the at least one parcel removalmessage at step 268 and is operative at step 270 to verify that theparcel removal data corresponding to the read indicia corresponds to thedeposit item identifying data for the delivery item that is to be takenby the identified item carrier that has accessed the depository based onthe stored correlated data. The central circuitry may also verify thatthe weight removed and/or the size and/or other property of the itemremoved corresponds to removal of the proper delivery item. The centralcircuitry then operates at step 272 to send one or more correct parcelremoval messages to the originating depository, that indicate that thedeposit item identification indicia and user indicia is appropriate.Alternatively or in addition the at least one correct parcel removalmessage may be sent to the carrier contact device. The control circuitryof the depository may receive the message data from the centralcircuitry as represented at step 274 and is operative to provide anindication to the user that the removal activity is appropriate asrepresented at step 276. As previously discussed this indication may begiven through visual and/or audible indication output by one or moreoutput devices such as indicators on the depository. Alternatively suchindications may be provided as outputs from the carrier contact device.Of course if the deposit item removal activity or user data is notappropriate, then negative indication outputs are provided eitherthrough the depository indicators and/or through messages that are sentby the central circuitry to the user's portable wireless carrier contactdevice.

The control circuitry of the exemplary originating depository is thenoperative responsive to the captured image data from the sensors such asreading devices, and/or the detected change in weight, to make adetermination of the action status that has been carried out by the itemcarrier with regard to the identified deposit item. Alternatively or inaddition, the determination may be carried out responsive at least inpart to a wireless message from the carrier contact device responsive toan input from the user indicating that they have removed the parcel.This determination which is represented by step 278, is an actiondetermination that the deposit item has been removed from the interiorarea of the depository. The control circuitry associated with theoriginating depository then senses for detection that the depositorydoor has been closed as represented in step 280. As previously discussedthe control circuitry of the depository either alone or throughcommunication with the central circuitry, may operate to prompt the userto close the depository door in the event that closure is not detectedwithin a programmed time. The control circuitry then operates to causethe lock to be changed to the locked condition once the door is closedas represented by step 282. The control circuitry then operates to sendone or more delivery item parcel removal messages to the centralcircuitry indicating that the deposit item has been removed and takenfrom the depository by the item carrier as represented by step 284. Ascan be appreciated this process may be carried out for multiple parcelsthat are to be transported by the item carrier.

Responsive to the central circuitry receiving the one or more deliveryitem parcel removal messages from the depository and/or the carriercontact device that the deposit item has been taken by the item carrier,the exemplary central circuitry operates as indicated at step 286 toupdate the status data for the deposit item in the associated data storeto indicate that the deposit item is with the authorized item carrier.In some exemplary arrangements the central circuitry then operates tocause at least one pick up request confirmation message to be sent tothe portable wireless carrier contact device of the item carrier who hastaken the deposit item to confirm that they have the item. This isrepresented by step 288. The portable wireless carrier contact device ofthe item carrier operates in accordance with its programming to causeone or more outputs that prompt the item carrier to confirm that theyhave received possession of the deposit item. This is represented atstep 290. As represented at step 292, the user's portable wirelesscarrier contact device operates responsive to at least one confirmationinput from the item carrier to send one or more wireless delivery itempossession confirmation messages to the central circuitry to confirmthat the user received possession of the deposit item. Of course itshould be understood that in other exemplary arrangements the centralsystem circuitry may omit the confirmation steps 286 through 292. Thisis particularly true in situations where the user indicates that theyhave the item by providing an input to their carrier contact deviceindicating they have taken the item and/or the user scans the parcelidentifying indicia using the camera on the device, which results inwireless messages to the central system circuitry.

Responsive to the central circuitry receiving the delivery itempossession confirmation messages from the user's portable wirelesscarrier contact device at step 294, or in some arrangements moredirectly responsive to one or more parcel removal messages, the centralcircuitry operates to recover from memory or otherwise resolve thedestination depository for the item carrier to deliver the deposit item.This is represented at step 296. The exemplary central circuitry furtheroperates to generate a one-time access delivery code to be input by theitem carrier to the destination depository into which the item carrieris to place the deposit item. This is represented by step 298. Theexemplary central system circuitry is further operative to store incorrelated relation the data corresponding to at least two of thedelivery item identifier, the item carrier identifying information, theone-time access code and the depository/interior area into which thedelivery item is to be placed. The exemplary central circuitry is nextoperative to send at least one item transport delivery message includingdata corresponding to the one-time item carrier access code and thelocation information for the destination depository to the user'sportable wireless carrier contact device. This is represented by step300. The exemplary central circuitry continues to monitor the locationof the portable wireless carrier contact device of the item carrierthrough GPS as the deposit item is transported toward the destinationdepository. This is represented by step 302.

As represented by step 304, in the exemplary system the portablewireless device of the transport user is operative to receive in the atleast one item transport delivery message the data regarding thedepository location and the one-time item carrier access delivery code.The portable wireless carrier contact device operates in accordance withits programming to direct the item carrier through use of the GPS dataor other location data to the destination depository or other locationat which the deposit item is to be delivered. This is represented bystep 306. Upon arrival at the destination depository the item carrieroperates their portable wireless device to cause the user identifyingdata including the user ID token to be sent from the user's device tothe RF input device of the depository. This is represented by step 308.

In an exemplary arrangement control circuitry associated with thedestination depository is operative to receive the wireless useridentifying information as represented by step 310. The controlcircuitry is also operative to enable receipt through the keypad or insome arrangements the wireless portal of the destination depository, ofthe input access code value corresponding to the one-time item carrieraccess delivery code from the item carrier. This is represented by step312. The control circuitry associated with the destination depository isoperative to send the received user identifying data, the input accesscode value, and depository identifying data to the central circuitry inat least one repository access message as represented by step 314. Theexemplary central circuitry is operative to receive the data in the atleast one repository access message as represented by step 316, andoperates to verify that the received user data corresponds to the itemcarrier and that the input access code value corresponds to the one-timeitem carrier access delivery code as represented in step 318. Theexemplary central circuitry is then operative to send at least onerepository access approval message to the depository which includes dataindicative that the received user data and the code data are appropriatebased on the correlated stored data, and that the central systemcircuitry determined interior area of the destination depository (or aparticular compartment of the depository) should be unlocked so as tomake the designated interior area of the destination repositoryaccessible. This is represented by step 320.

The control circuitry of the exemplary destination depository isoperative to receive the repository access approval message data fromthe central circuitry as represented by step 322. Responsive to the atleast one repository message from the central circuitry being receivedand verified, the control circuitry associated with the destinationdepository is operative to cause the appropriate lock thereof to bechanged to the unlocked condition as represented in step 324. As aresult the designated interior area of the destination repository isexternally accessible so that the delivery item may be placed therein bythe item carrier. In some arrangements responsive to detecting that thedepository door has been opened, the exemplary control circuitry isoperative to cause the reading devices to capture the machine readableindicia including the identifying indicia on the deposit item beingplaced in the designated interior area of the destination depository asrepresented by step 326. Alternatively the item carrier may use theirportable wireless device to capture an image of the parcel identifyingindicia and/or the depository to document placement of the item. Thecontrol circuitry may also be operative to cause images from the readingdevices and the change in weight detected by the at least one weightsensor to be captured and stored in the at least one data store alongwith the data corresponding to the captured identifying indicia on thedeposit item, to document the accessing of the depository and theplacement of the deposit item therein. This is represented by step 328.

The exemplary control circuitry associated with the destinationdepository is next operative to send at least one parcel insertionmessage, which is alternatively referred to herein as a parcel placementmessage to the central system circuitry as represented in step 330. Theexemplary at least one parcel insertion message includes datacorresponding to the indicia read and/or sensed from the deposit itemincluding the machine readable indicia. Alternatively, in somearrangements, the parcel insertion message may be sent by the carriercontact device responsive to using the device to read the parcelidentifier and receiving at least one input indicative of placement inthe depository. The central circuitry receives the data included in theat least one parcel insertion message at step 332 and verifies that theindicia read and/or sensed from the deposit item (size, weight or otherinformation or properties) corresponds to the correlated stored data forthe deposit item to be deposited in the destination depository. Thisincludes verifying that the read machine readable indicia read from thedeposit item placed in the destination depository corresponds to thedelivery item identifier. The central circuitry also verifies that theidentifying data associated with the user corresponds to the user thatis authorized to place the delivery item into the depository. This isrepresented by step 334. The central circuitry is then operative to sendone or more correct parcel placement verification messages to thecontrol circuitry of the destination depository to indicate that thereceived identifying indicia on the deposit item is correct.Alternatively or in addition the at least one correct parcelverification message may be sent to the carrier contact device. This isrepresented by step 336. The exemplary control circuitry of thedepository receives the at least one correct parcel placementverification messages from the central circuitry as represented in step338 and provides one or more outputs to the user to indicate that theindicia read and/or sensed from the deposit item is appropriate asrepresented in step 340. The at least one output may be provided by atleast one output device of the destination depository and/or through anoutput device of the carrier contact device. The exemplary controlcircuitry associated with the depository may then be operative toanalyze the captured image data and/or weight data to determine theaction status associated with the deposit item. As represented in step342 the control circuitry is operative to determine an action statusthat the deposit item has been received into the interior area of thedepository.

In other exemplary arrangements the control circuitry associated withthe depository may operate in an alternative manner to provide theauthorized user with access to the interior area so that the deposititem may be placed therein. In such alternative arrangements the controlcircuitry may operate to receive the user identifying data wirelesslyfrom the mobile wireless device associated with the user in a mannerlike that previously discussed. This may be done for example through awireless input device such as a wireless transceiver in operativeconnection with the control circuitry that is operative to controlaccess to the depository. Further in this alternative arrangement, acamera of the portable wireless device associated with the item carriermay be utilized as the reading device which is operative to read theitem identifying indicia on the deposit item. The mobile carrier contactdevice may then operate to wirelessly communicate the item identifyingindicia to the control circuitry. This may be done through the same or adifferent wireless communication path as the user identifyinginformation. The control circuitry may then operate in accordance withits circuit executable instructions to make a determination based on thecorrelated stored data that the user identifying information correspondsto an authorized user, as well as a determination that the read itemindicia corresponds to a deposit item that is authorized to be placedwithin the depository. The control circuitry may then operate inaccordance with its programmed circuit executable instructions to causethe corresponding lock associated with the appropriate depository doorto be changeable to the unlocked condition responsive at least in partto the user identification determination, the determination that thedeposit item indicia corresponds to previously stored data indicativethat the item is authorized to be placed in the respective interior areaof the depository, or both. Further in some alternative exemplaryarrangements, the control circuitry may operate responsive at least inpart to the read item identifying indicia, which may include additionalinformation about the item, to operate to cause the corresponding lockto be able to be placed in the unlocked condition. For example in someexemplary arrangements the item indicia included on the deposit item maycorrespond to a destination repository or a location in which thedeposit item is to be delivered. In some exemplary arrangements thecontrol circuitry may operate to determine if the item indicia includesdata corresponding to the GPS determined location and/or identifyinginformation for the depository in which the item is sought to bepositioned. Responsive at least in part to the determination, thecontrol circuitry is operative to enable the depository lock associatedwith the interior area in which the item is authorized to be placed, tobe changeable to the unlocked condition. Further although in theexemplary arrangements the data regarding item carrier contactinformation and/or one-time access code, the delivery item identifier orother information may be received from a carrier contact device throughan input device such as a wireless portal that is located at theparticular depository, in other arrangements such information may bereceived through at least one wireless transceiver located remotely fromthe depository. For example, in such arrangements location data, such asGPS data associated with the location of the carrier contact device, maybe provided to the central system circuitry in the messages from thecarrier contact device. Such location data may be usable by the centralsystem circuitry to determine that the carrier contact device is inproximity to a particular depository. Thus in such alternativearrangements it is not necessary for the local circuitry associated withthe particular depository to receive the messages from the carriercontact device for purposes of assuring that the carrier contact deviceis in proximity to the depository and the item carrier is positioned toplace the delivery item in or remove the delivery item from thedepository. Of course it should be understood that these approaches areexemplary and in other arrangements other approaches may be used.

After the deposit is placed in the interior area the exemplary controlcircuitry then operates in accordance with its programming to sense forclosure of the depository door. This is represented by step 344. Aspreviously discussed the exemplary control circuitry may providedifferent forms of prompts to the user in the event that the depositorydoor is not sensed as closed within a programmed time. Responsive todetecting the closure of the depository door the control circuitry ofthe destination repository operates to change the condition of the lockto the locked condition as represented by step 346. The exemplarycontrol circuitry is then operative to send one or more deliverycompletion messages from the depository to the central system circuitryto indicate that the deposit item is within the designated interior areaof the depository as represented by step 348. Alternatively or inaddition a delivery completion message may be sent by the carriercontact device responsive to at least one input thereto by the itemcarrier. The exemplary central circuitry responsive to receiving thedelivery completion messages, operates to update the status related tothe deposit item in its associated at least one data store to indicatethat the deposit item is located within the particular destinationdepository. This is represented by step 350.

In situations where the delivery completion message is not sent from thecarrier contact device, the exemplary central circuitry is nextoperative to send one or more delivery confirmation request messages tothe portable wireless carrier contact device of the item carrierrequesting confirmation that the deposit item has been placed in thedestination depository. This is represented by step 352. The portablewireless carrier contact device of the item carrier operates responsiveto the received messages to provide outputs which prompt the user toconfirm the placement of the deposit item in the destination depository.This is represented by step 354. Responsive to receipt of at least oneinput from the item carrier the portable wireless carrier contact deviceis operative at step 356 to provide one or more delivery confirmationresponse messages to the central circuitry confirming that the user hasplaced the deposit item in the interior area of the destinationdepository. In other exemplary arrangements the confirmation steps 352through 356 are not carried out.

The central circuitry of the exemplary embodiment is operativeresponsive at least in part to receipt of the delivery confirmationresponse messages from the transport user at step 358 or more directlyresponsive at least in part to the at least one delivery completionmessage, to determine that the item carrier has completed the transportassignment and to calculate a payment that is due to the item carrier asrepresented at step 360. The exemplary central circuitry is thenoperative to credit the item carrier for a payment amount correspondingto the payment that is due as represented at step 362. This may includecrediting an account associated with the item carrier for the amountpayable. Alternatively it may include a financial transfer to an accountassociated with the item carrier. Various payment forms may beaccomplished depending on the arrangement that has been set up by thecentral system circuitry for making payment to the particular itemcarrier. The exemplary central circuitry then operates to send one ormore messages to the carrier contact device of the item carrierindicating the payment as represented at step 364. The item carrierreceives the notice of the payment through the portable wireless carriercontact device which outputs appropriate messages to the item carrieruser as represented at step 366. Of course it should be understood thatthese steps are representative of only some exemplary paymenttransactions that may be carried out responsive to operation of thecentral circuitry.

In this example the initial item carrier was available only to transportthe deposit item to a destination depository at an intermediatedestination, and not to the final destination depository for the deposititem. Therefore responsive to the determination that the deposit itemhas arrived at the intermediate destination depository, the exemplarycentral circuitry is operative to determine a next destinationdepository for the deposit item. This is represented by step 368. Aspreviously discussed the central circuitry will operate to have thedeposit item reach its final destination depository with a minimumnumber of intermediate destinations. However if it is not possible withthe available item carriers to move the deposit item to its finaldestination with the next transport assignment, the exemplary controlcircuitry will cause the deposit item to be moved to anotherintermediate destination depository that is closer to its finaldestination. However for purposes of this example the next transportassignment will result in the deposit item reaching its finaldestination depository. Of course it should be understood that in otherarrangements delivery may be made to a recipient's address rather thanto a destination repository.

The exemplary central circuitry conducts a similar analysis to thatpreviously discussed with regard to available item carriers for purposesof determining the next transport assignment which can be made for thedeposit item. The central circuitry may also conduct an analysis of theavailable item carrier information at step 370. The central circuitrymay also review the rating data and other information for the availableitem carriers as represented at step 372. As represented at step 374 acomparative analysis is done of the available item carrier data topending transport jobs to produce a match as represented at step 376.The exemplary central circuitry will then operate to determine thedestination depository endpoint (or delivery location end point) for thedeposit item delivery to be made by the available item carrier asrepresented at step 378. In this example the next destination will bethe destination depository which is the final delivery destination forthe deposit item.

The exemplary central circuitry is further operative to calculate therate information to be paid for the transport by the available itemcarrier. This is represented at step 380. In some exemplary arrangementsthe central circuitry may operate to provide item carriers withincentives to transport particular deposit items. For example, if anitem is not moving toward the final destination at an acceptable rate,the central circuitry may offer a premium to an available item carrierto transport the item. Of course this approach is exemplary.

The exemplary central circuitry is then operative at step 382 to sendone or more opportunity messages to the portable wireless carriercontact device of the selected item carrier which describes thetransport job that is available. In the exemplary arrangement the dataincluded in the at least one opportunity message includes informationregarding the pickup originating depository, deposit item parcel,transport route, endpoint destination depository and monetary amount orrate to be paid to the available item carrier. Of course in some casesadditional or different information may be provided. Further in somearrangements an item carrier may be offered an opportunity to transportmultiple parcels to the same destination or to multiple destinationsalong a common route. The portable wireless carrier contact device ofthe item carrier receives the at least one opportunity message asrepresented by step 384. The portable wireless carrier contact device ofthe item carrier operates responsive at least in part to the receiveddata included in the at least one opportunity message to provide atleast one output which indicates the details of the available transportjob which the item carrier can then review as represented at step 386.If the item carrier wishes to accept the transport job, the item carrierprovides one or more inputs to their portable wireless carrier contactdevice as represented at step 388, and the carrier contact deviceoperates to send one or more item transport acceptance messagesindicating a willingness to accept the transport job as represented atstep 390.

As represented by step 392 the central circuitry operates to receive theitem transport acceptance messages including data indicating that theitem carrier is willing to perform the transport job, and reserves thetransport assignment for the item carrier as represented at step 394.The central circuitry operates to generate a one-time designated carrieraccess code for the item carrier as represented at step 396. The centralsystem circuitry operates to store the correlated data corresponding toat least two of the authorized user identifying data for the user whohas accepted the item transport assignment, the delivery itemidentifying data, the one-time access code, and the interiorarea/depository where the item will be placed in a manner like thatpreviously discussed. The central circuitry operates to send at leastone transport assignment message including data corresponding to theone-time designated carrier access code and the location data for theoriginating depository to the user's portable wireless carrier contactdevice as represented by step 398.

The portable wireless carrier contact device of the item carrierreceives the access code and location information in the at least onetransport assignment message as represented by step 400. The portablewireless carrier contact device operates in accordance with itsprogramming and the originating depository location information to guidethe user to the depository as represented by step 402. As in theprevious example the carrier contact device may be tracked via GPS, cellphone data or other methodology. Once arriving at the depository theitem carrier operates the portable wireless carrier contact device tosend the wireless identifying information such as the ID token data thatidentifies the item carrier, to the RF input device of the originatingdepository as represented by step 404. The control circuitry of thedepository receives the item carrier user identifying information asrepresented at step 406. The circuitry associated with the originatingdepository also receives an input access code that may correspond to theone-time designated carrier access code from the item carrier asrepresented by step 408. The depository control circuitry is thenoperative to send at least one depository access request messageincluding data corresponding to the user identifying information, theone-time designated carrier code and the depository identifyinginformation, to the central circuitry as represented by step 410.

The central circuitry receives the data included in the at least onedepository access request message from the depository at step 412 andoperates using the stored data to verify the user identifyinginformation corresponding to the authorized item carrier and that theinput access code corresponds to the one-time designated carrier accesscode as represented at step 414. The central circuitry is operative tosend one or more depository access approval messages to the depositoryindicating that the received item carrier identifying information anddesignated carrier access code is appropriate for accessing the interiorarea of the originating depository. This is represented by step 416. Thecontrol circuitry associated with the depository receives the at leastone depository access approval message from the central circuitryindicating that the depository is to be opened and verifies theauthenticity of the message as represented at step 418. The controlcircuitry associated with the depository is operative responsive atleast in part to the at least one depository access approval message tocause the lock controlling access to the interior area or compartmentspace where the deposit item is housed to be enabled to be changed tothe unlocked condition as represented at step 420. The control circuitryis further operative to operate at least one sensor to sense and/orcapture the machine readable deposit item identifying indicia on thedeposit item, image and/or size or other property data and the change indetected weight as the item is removed from the interior area of theoriginating depository as represented by step 422. Alternatively theitem carrier may operate their portable wireless device to capture oneor more images of the item identifying indicia and the device sends theimage data and/or parcel identifying indicia to the central circuitry.The exemplary control circuitry also captures and stores imagesassociated with accessing the depository including the item carrier userand the removal of the deposit item as represented by step 424. Thecontrol circuity also associates time data with the captured images. Thecontrol circuitry is then operative to send at least one parcel removalmessage including data corresponding to the deposit identifying indicia,size, other property data and/or weight information to the centralcircuitry as represented by step 426. Alternatively or in addition, oneor more parcel removal messages may be sent by the carrier contactdevice.

The central circuitry is operative to receive the data included in theat least one parcel removal message as represented by step 428 andverify that the indicia read from the deposit item, size, property dataand/or weight data corresponds to the deposit item to be taken by theuser whose identifying data has been received as represented at step430. This may include verifying that machine readable indicia read fromthe deposit item corresponds to the deposit item identifier. The centralcircuitry is then operative to send one or more correct parcelverification messages to the depository indicating that the informationreceived related to the deposit item and the user is correct.Alternatively or in addition the one or more correct parcel verificationmessages may be sent to the carrier contact device. This is representedby step 432.

The depository is operative to receive the data included in the at leastone correct parcel verification messages from the central circuitry asrepresented by step 434 and to provide an indication to the user from anoutput device that the identifying indicia for the deposit item beingremoved is correct as represented at step 436. Alternatively or inaddition the central circuitry may operate to send the confirmationmessage to the item carrier's portable wireless device. Of course aspreviously discussed, if the indicia, size, property and/or weightassociated with the deposit item and/or the user data is incorrect, awarning indication is output from an output device of the depositoryand/or the user's portable wireless carrier contact device to indicatethe error. The control circuitry associated with the exemplarydepository is then operative to determine from the sensors of theoriginating repository which comprise reading devices and/or messagesfrom the carrier contact device, the action status associated with thedeposit item. In this case the action status corresponds to the deposititem being removed as indicated at step 438. The exemplary controlcircuitry of the depository then operates to sense the closure of thedepository door as represented by step 440 and to change the conditionof the lock to the locked condition as represented at step 442. Thedepository control circuitry is then operative to send one or moredelivery item parcel removal messages to the central circuitry which areindicative of and give a notification that the deposit item has beentaken as represented by step 444.

The exemplary central circuitry is then operative to update in at leastone data store the status of the deposit item to indicate that thedeposit item is with the item carrier as represented by step 446. Insome arrangements, the central circuitry may also cause one or moreconfirmation request messages to be sent to the transport user'sportable wireless carrier contact device requesting confirmation thatthe item carrier has possession of the deposit item. This is representedby step 448. The portable wireless device of the transport user operatesto receive these confirmation request messages and to provide outputs tothe item carrier indicating the request for confirmation. This isrepresented by step 450. Responsive to the item carrier providing inputswhich confirm the item carrier has possession of the deposit item, theportable wireless carrier contact device sends one or more confirmationresponse messages to the central circuitry confirming possession of thedeposit item by the user. This is represented by step 452.

Responsive to the central circuitry receiving the at least oneconfirmation response message from the item carrier's portable wirelesscarrier contact device at step 454 and/or the parcel removal messages,the central circuitry is operative to recover data corresponding to thedestination depository for the deposit item at step 456 and to generatethe one-time item carrier access delivery code usable by the itemcarrier to access the depository at the destination as represented atstep 458. The central circuitry is then operative to send at least oneitem transport delivery message including data corresponding to theone-time code and the location of the destination depository to thecarrier contact device at step 460. The central system circuitry furtheroperates to store the correlated data corresponding to at least two ofthe authorized item carrier identifying information, the one-time accesscode, the deposit item identifying data, and the interiorarea/destination repository data in the at least one data store.

The portable wireless carrier contact device of the item carrierreceives the data including the one-time code and the depositorylocation in the at least one item transport delivery message at step462. The user operates the portable wireless carrier contact device tobe guided to the destination depository through GPS or other locationfinding methods as represented by step 464. The central circuitry of theexemplary arrangement tracks the item carrier through GPS tracking asrepresented by step 466. Upon arrival at the destination depository theitem carrier operates their portable wireless carrier contact device toprovide their user identification data such as the ID token to the RFinput device of the depository as represented at step 468. The controlcircuitry is operative to receive the user identifying data asrepresented at step 470. The keypad or the wireless portal of thedepository is also operative to receive an input access codecorresponding to the one-time item carrier access delivery code from theitem carrier as represented at step 472. The control circuitry of thedepository is operative to send data corresponding to the useridentifying data, the input access code corresponding to the one-timeitem carrier access delivery code and depository identifying data to thecentral circuitry in at least one depository access request message asrepresented at step 474.

The central circuitry receives the data included in the at least onedeposit access request message from the destination depository asrepresented at step 476 and operates using the stored data to verify theuser identifying data and the input access code as corresponding to theone-time item carrier access delivery code as authorized at step 478.The central circuitry is operative to send one or more access approvalmessages to the depository indicating that the received data isappropriate as represented by step 480, and the control circuitry of thedepository is operative to verify the received message data at step 482.Responsive to the received at least one access approval messageindicating that the user data and the code data is authorized, thecontrol circuitry of the depository is operative to cause the lockcontrolling access to the interior area or compartment space where thecentral system circuitry has determined the deposit item should beplaced to be changed to the unlocked condition as represented by step484. The control circuitry operates the sensors comprising readingdevices to capture the indicia on the deposit item, size, propertyand/or weight data for the deposit item that is being placed in theinterior area of the destination depository as represented by step 486.Alternatively the item carrier may capture the item indicia of theparcel placed in the interior area and send such images and/or datacorresponding to the indicia to the central circuitry. The controlcircuitry also operates the sensors comprising reading devices tocapture images including the item carrier access to the depository andthe placement of the deposit item therein, and to store the image dataalong with associated time data in the data store of the controlcircuitry. This is represented by step 488.

The control circuitry associated with the depository is operative tosend at least one parcel placement message including data correspondingto the indicia read and/or sensed from the deposit item to the centralcircuitry as represented by step 490. Alternatively or in addition atleast one parcel placement message may be sent by the carrier contactdevice. The central circuitry receives the identifying indicia at step492 and is operative in a step 494 to verify that the identifyingindicia, size, property and/or weight information corresponds to theappropriate deposit item and that the user identifying data correspondsto the appropriate user. The exemplary central circuitry is alsooperative to verify that the read machine readable indicia from thedeposit item corresponds to the delivery item identifier. The centralcircuitry is operative to send one or more messages verifying thecorrectness of the input data and deposit item as represented at step496. The at least one correct parcel verification message mayalternatively or in addition be sent to the carrier contact device. Thecontrol circuitry of the depository receives the one or more messages asrepresented by step 498 and provides one or more outputs through theindicators or other output devices of the depository that the depositinformation is correct as represented by step 500.

The control circuitry associated with the depository is operative todetermine the action status of the deposit item from the data capturedby the reading devices. As represented in step 502 the action statusdetermination indicates that the deposit item has been received into thedepository. The control circuitry operates to sense the closing of thedepository door in a step 504, and responsive to sensing the doorclosure changes the lock to the locked condition as represented by step506. The control circuitry of the depository then operates to send oneor more deposit item received messages to the central circuitry toindicate that the deposit item is located within the depository. This isrepresented by step 508. Responsive to receiving the messages indicatingthat the deposit item is within the depository the central circuitry isoperative to update the stored record data regarding the deposit item inthe data store to indicate that the deposit item is within theparticular destination depository as represented by step 510.

In some arrangements, the exemplary central circuitry then operates tocause one or more confirmation request messages to be sent to theportable wireless carrier contact device of the item carrier requestingconfirmation that the deposit item has been placed in the depository.This is represented by step 512. The portable wireless carrier contactdevice of the item carrier receives the messages and provides outputs tothe user indicating the request for confirmation. This is represented bystep 514. Responsive to inputs by the user to their portable wirelesscarrier contact device confirming the placement of the deposit item inthe depository, the portable wireless carrier contact device isoperative to send one or more delivery confirmation response messages asrepresented at step 516.

Responsive to the central circuitry receiving the at least one deliveryconfirmation message that the deposit item has been placed in thedepository at step 518, the central circuitry is operative to calculatethe payment that is due the item carrier for transport of the depositoryitem. This is represented by step 520. The central circuitry is thenoperative to credit the transport user a payment amount for thetransport services provided as represented at step 522. One or moremessages are sent to the carrier contact device at step 524 which arereceived by the user's portable wireless carrier contact device andwhich provide outputs to the item carrier indicating the payment madefor the transport of the deposit item as represented at step 526.

In some arrangements responsive to the determination by the centralcircuitry that the deposit item has been delivered to the indicatedfinal destination depository, the central circuitry is then operative todetermine the deposit item recipient to be notified of the delivery. Therecipient data including recipient contact data may be included in theat least one transport request message associated with the receipt ofthe deposit item. Alternatively in some arrangements the delivery itemdelivery location data may correspond to recipient data. The recipientdata for registered users including contact data for the user's devicemay be stored in a data store in operative connection with the centralsystem circuitry. The determination of the recipient data is representedby step 528. In exemplary arrangements the recipient of the deposit itemmay be the owner of the depository into which the deposit item has beenplaced as the final destination. Alternatively the recipient to benotified may be a registered user of the system that is not the owner ofthe depository in which the item has been placed, which necessitatesnotification and providing access for the intended recipient.

An example where the recipient of the deposit item is the owner of thedepository is represented by the logic flow included in FIGS. 28 through30 . Responsive to the central circuitry determining that the depositoryowner is the recipient of the deposit item to be notified in step 528,the central circuitry operates to produce and at least one notificationmessage to the depository owner at step 530. The central circuitry isalso operative to generate a one-time recipient access code foraccessing the depository to retrieve the deposit item at step 532. Thecentral circuitry then operates to send at least one recipientnotification message including data corresponding to the one-timerecipient access code to the portable wireless device or other contactdevice of the depository owner as represented at step 534. The centralsystem circuitry further operates to store in correlated relation thedata corresponding to at least two of the identifying data for thedeposit item recipient, the one-time code, the deposit item identifierand the interior area/depository in which the deposit item is stored.The depository owner then travels to the depository and inputs theiridentifying data wirelessly to the RF input device of the depository asrepresented by step 536. This identifying data may include an ID tokenassigned through a registration process of the central system circuitry.The control circuitry of the depository receives the wireless messagesincluding the identifying data at step 538 and also operates to receivethe one-time recipient access code through the keypad, wireless portalor other input device at step 540. The control circuitry of thedepository is then operative to send at least one depository accessrequest message including data corresponding to the identification data,the input recipient access code and the depository identifier to thecentral circuitry at step 542.

The central circuitry operates to receive the data in the at least onedepository access request message at step 544 and uses the stored datato verify at step 546 that the received user identifying data andrecipient access code data correspond to the data for authorized accessto the interior area of the destination depository housing the deposititem. The central circuitry then operates to send one or more depositoryaccess approval messages to the depository as indicated at step 548. Thecontrol circuitry of the depository receives and verifies the messagedata at step 550 and changes the condition of the lock on the depositoryto the unlocked condition as represented by step 552. The exemplarycontrol circuitry of the depository operates to capture through sensorsand/or input devices the deposit item identifying indicia on the deposititem, size, property and/or weight data associated with the deposit itembeing removed from the depository as represented by step 554 and in somearrangements also captures images of the recipient depository user andthe deposit item which are stored in the data store of the depositorycontrol circuitry along with time data as represented at step 556.Alternatively or in addition the user may operate their mobile wirelessdevice to capture images of the item identifying indicia using a camerathereof and send it to the central circuitry.

The exemplary control circuitry associated with the depository isoperative to send at least one parcel removal message including datacorresponding to the deposit item identifying indicia, size, propertyand/or weight data to the central circuitry as represented at step 558.The central circuitry receives the data at step 560 and at step 562verifies that the indicia, size, property and/or weight data sentregarding the deposit item and the user identifying data, corresponds tothe authorized removal of the deposit item from the depository.Alternatively or in addition the central circuitry receives the parcelidentifying indicia and/or other images or data from the recipient'sportable wireless device. In the exemplary arrangement the centralcircuitry is operative to determine that machine readable indicia readfrom the removed deposit item corresponds to the deposit itemidentifier. The central circuitry is operative at step 564 to send oneor more correct parcel removal messages to the depository indicatingthat the received information is appropriate. The control circuitry ofthe depository receives the one or more correct parcel removal messagesat step 566 and provides an indication through the one or moreindicators or other output devices of the depository that the deposititem removal data is appropriate at step 568. Alternatively or inaddition the at least one correct parcel removal message may be sent tothe recipient device.

The exemplary control circuitry associated with the depository is thenoperative to determine from the captured image data, size, propertyand/or weight data the action status of the deposit item. This is donein a step 570 in which the action status that the deposit item has beenremoved from the depository is determined. The control circuitry thenoperates to sense the closing of the depository door in step 572 andcauses the condition of the lock to be changed to the locked conditionin a step 574. The control circuitry of the depository then operates tosend one or more parcel removed messages to the central circuitry toindicate that the deposit item has been removed from the depository atstep 576.

The exemplary central circuitry then operates to update the status dataincluded in one or more data stores of the central circuitry to indicatethe deposit item has been removed from the depository as represented instep 578. In some arrangements, the central circuitry operates to sendone or more recipient confirmation request messages to the portablewireless device or other device of the recipient depository owner toconfirm that they have taken the deposit item as represented by step580. The portable wireless device or other device of the recipientdepository owner receives the receipt confirmation request messages andprovides outputs indicating that the confirmation is requested. This isrepresented by a step 582. Responsive to the depository owner providingone or more inputs to their portable wireless device or other recipientdevice confirming receipt of the deposit item, the recipient deviceoperates to send one or more recipient confirmation response messages tothe central circuitry as represented by step 584.

The central circuitry receives the at least one recipient confirmationresponse message from the depository owner at step 586. Responsive toreceiving the confirmation that the deposit item has been received bythe intended recipient, the central circuitry operates to send one ormore messages to the user device of the shipper user who is responsiblefor causing transport of the deposit item to the recipient. This isrepresented by step 588. Receipt of the information by the shipper whois the originator of the deposit item is represented by step 590. Theexemplary central circuitry is also operative at step 592 to calculatethe charge associated with the transport of the deposit item and toassess the charge to the shipper entity that requested the transport.The entity requesting the transport is notified of the charge throughone or more messages which are sent at step 594 and which are receivedby the user who is the shipper through their portable wireless device atstep 596. In the exemplary arrangement the charges are assessed to thefunds source in the manner as designated by the user requestingtransport at the time that the request was input to the system. Ofcourse these approaches are exemplary and in other embodiments otherapproaches may be used. For example in other arrangements the chargesmay be assessed to a recipient.

The alternative exemplary logic flow when the recipient of the deposititem is not the owner of the destination depository is represented inFIGS. 31 to 34 . In this exemplary arrangement from step 528, thecentral circuitry is operative to determine the deposit item recipientto be notified as represented in step 598. The recipient and/orrecipient contact data may be included in the transport request message.The recipient and/or recipient contact data may alternatively beresolved by the central circuitry from the delivery item destinationlocation or other data included in the request for transport based onstored registered user data in the at least one data store for therecipient. If the recipient is not a registered system user the centralcontrol circuitry may require additional information from the shipperuser as part of the transport request such as an invoice number or otherdata that can be used to confirm the identity of the recipient. Thecentral circuitry is further operative to determine the one-timerecipient access code to be used to access the interior area of thedepository in which the deposit item is held at step 600. The centralcircuitry is also operative to determine data stored in the associateddata store which corresponds to the applicable requirements associatedwith the depository which houses the deposit item as represented at step602. This may include restrictions placed on operation of the depositoryby the depository owner, such as limited times for access or otherrequirements which restrict use of the depository by entities other thanthe depository owner. The central system circuitry further operates tostore in correlated relation the data corresponding to at least two ofthe deposit item recipient, the one-time code, the deposit itemidentifier, and the interior area/depository in which the deposit itemis stored.

The exemplary central circuitry may be operative to send datacorresponding to the notification and recipient access code and otherapplicable requirements to the portable wireless device (or otherdevice) of the recipient in at least one notification message asrepresented by step 604. The notification message may include useridentifying data for the recipient that is usable in connection withobtaining the deposit item if the recipient is not a registered systemuser who has an ID token. In some situations the identifying data mayinclude an ID token or other identifying data that was provided to therecipient during a registration process that is required to participatein the system. The portable wireless device is operative to provideoutputs to the recipient of the information needed to access thedepository to retrieve the deposit item. As can be appreciated, in somearrangements the information sent to the recipient may include GPS orother location data that facilitates the recipient traveling to thedepository to obtain the deposit item.

In an exemplary arrangement the recipient upon being in proximity withthe depository operates their portable wireless device to provide theuser identifying data wirelessly to the RF input device in operativeconnection with the depository as represented by step 606. Thedepository receives the identifying data as represented by step 608 andalso receives the one-time recipient access code through the keypad, orwireless portal or other input device as represented by step 610. Insome cases the recipient user may also be required to input otheridentifying data. The control circuitry is operative to cause datacorresponding to the received user identifying data, the code data anddepository identifying data to be sent to the central circuitry in atleast one depository access request message as represented by step 612.The central circuitry receives the data in the at least one depositoryaccess request message as represented at step 614 and operates using thestored data to verify the received user identifying data and therecipient access code data as represented at step 616. The centralcircuitry is then operative in a manner like that previously discussedto send one or more depository access approval messages to thedepository indicating that the activity is authorized and that thedepository interior area or particular compartment housing the deposititem should be unlocked. This is represented by step 618.

The control circuitry associated with the depository is operative toreceive and verify the at least one depository access approval messagefrom the central circuitry as represented by step 620. Responsive atleast in part to the receipt of the messages the control circuitry isoperative to unlock the lock to the interior area housing the deposititem as represented by step 622 and to cause the sensors comprisingreading devices to capture the size, properties and/or weight associatedwith the item and the machine readable indicia on the deposit itemremoved from the interior area of the depository as represented by step624. Alternatively or in addition the recipient may be prompted tocapture item identifying indicia from the parcel or other image datathrough use of the camera on their portable wireless device and transmitmessages to the control circuitry or the central circuitry includingsuch image data and/or indicia. The control circuitry is also operativein some arrangements to capture images of the recipient user and thedeposit item, and store the images and size, property and/or weight datain the data store associated with the control circuitry along with timedata as represented by step 626.

The control circuitry associated with the depository in somearrangements is operative to send data corresponding to the indicia readand/or sensed from the deposit item such as size, property and/or weightdata to the central circuitry in at least one parcel removal message asrepresented by step 628. The central circuitry receives the data fromthe depository and/or the recipient device as represented by step 630and operates to verify that the received indicia and weight datacorresponds to the appropriate depository item and that the useridentifying data received corresponds to the authorized recipient asrepresented by step 632. In an exemplary arrangement the centralcircuitry is operative to verify that the machine readable indicia readfrom the removed deposit item corresponds to the delivery itemidentifier which identifies the particular parcel. The central circuitryis operative to send one or more correct parcel verification messages tothe depository indicating that the information related to removal of thedeposit item is correct. Such messages may additionally or alternativelybe sent to the recipient device. This is represented by step 634. Thecontrol circuitry of the depository is operative to receive the correctparcel verification messages from the central circuitry as representedby step 636 and to provide one or more outputs through the indicators orother output devices on the depository that the deposit item informationis correct as represented by step 638.

The control circuitry of the exemplary depository is then operative toanalyze the captured image data, size property and/or weight data todetermine the action status associated with the deposit item asrepresented by step 640. In this situation the control circuitry isoperative to determine that the deposit item has been removed from thedepository. The control circuitry is also operative to sense for closureof the depository door as represented by step 642, and responsive tosensing the closure thereof, to cause the lock to be returned to thelocked condition as represented by step 644. The control circuitry ofthe depository is operative to send one or more delivery completionmessages to the central circuitry indicating that the deposit item hasbeen removed from the depository as represented by step 646. The centralcircuitry is operative to receive the delivery completion messages fromthe depository and update the status data in the data store related tothe deposit item to indicate that the deposit item has been removed fromthe depository as represented in step 648.

In a manner like that previously discussed, in some arrangements, thecentral circuitry is further operative to cause one or more receiptconfirmation request messages to be sent to the portable wireless deviceof the recipient. This is represented by step 650. The messages requestconfirmation that the deposit item has been received by the recipient.The portable wireless device of the recipient is operative responsive tothe messages to provide outputs requesting such confirmation asrepresented by step 652. The recipient then provides one or more inputsto their portable wireless device confirming receipt of the deposit itemas represented by step 654. The recipient wireless device operatesresponsive to the recipient inputs to send at least one receiptconfirmation response message to the central circuitry. The centralcircuitry is operative to receive the at least one receipt confirmationfrom the recipient at step 656, and to send a notification message tothe user device of the shipper user that requested the transport of thedeposit item to indicate that the item has been received at step 658.The portable wireless device of the shipper user that requested thetransport receives one or more delivery indication messages asrepresented by step 660.

The exemplary central circuitry is also operative to calculate thecharge to be assessed to the shipper user requesting transport of thedeposit item for the transport thereof. This is represented by step 662.The charge for transport is assessed to the shipper user in the mannerdesignated at the time of requesting shipment, and the user is notifiedof the charge as represented at step 664. The user receives the chargenotifications through their portable wireless device as represented bystep 667.

Further in this exemplary arrangement because the deposit item wasdelivered to the recipient through the depository that is owned by adepository owner other than the recipient, the depository owner receivesa payment for the associated use of their depository in connection withthe delivery of the deposit item. In the exemplary arrangement thecentral circuitry is operative to calculate a payment that is due thedepository owner as represented in a step 668. In some exemplaryarrangements the central circuitry is operative to send one or moremessages to the portable wireless device or other system device operatedby the depository owner to indicate the receipt of the payments for theuse of the depository. Alternatively in other exemplary arrangements,the central circuitry may operate to credit an account of the depositoryowner for such use of the depository by offsetting the amount of creditsagainst charges to the depository owner for acceptance, transport and/ordelivery of deposit items. Of course it should be understood that theseapproaches are exemplary and in other embodiments other approaches maybe used.

It should be understood that while the examples provided discuss usersdealing with a single depository item, in exemplary systems numerousdifferent deposit items will be handled by each authorized user. Thismay be particularly true of item carrier users that simultaneouslyhandle a plurality of deposit items that are being transported as abundle or group between different depositories. The exemplaryembodiments help to assure that the proper depository items are removedand deposited in the proper depository for purposes of transporting theitem to the proper destination. The ability of the exemplaryarrangements to provide an indication of any incorrect actions and totrack the whereabouts of deposit items within the system at all timesfacilitates the prompt and reliable transport and delivery of suchdepository items.

Further the exemplary arrangements provide advantages for transport ofitems between depositories by enabling the transport to be made byindividuals who often are otherwise commuting or otherwise traveling tolocations where item transport can be conducted as an ancillary activitythat generates revenue for the users. Such transport can also be made inincremental steps as previously discussed based on the availabletransport users. The ability to utilize such user resources can alsoprovide more options for transport of items, while reducing costscompared to scheduled transport systems.

As previously discussed in other exemplary arrangements item carriersmay deliver deposit items to recipient addresses rather than to an itemdepository as a final destination. In such arrangements the item carriermay use their carrier contact device for purposes of documenting thedelivery to the recipient. This may include for example, using thecarrier contact device as a reader to capture images of the deposititem, including the identifying indicia on the parcel, showing theparcel placed at the delivery location. Alternatively or in addition anitem carrier may utilize the carrier contact device and the camerathereon to capture images that show the recipient facility or theindividual to whom the item is delivered. In still other exemplaryarrangements the item carrier device may be operated by the item carrierto receive audio or audiovisual acknowledgments from the recipient todocument the delivery of the parcel. Exemplary carrier contact devicesmay also include circuit executable instructions that enable the itemcarrier to capture a “signature” of the parcel recipient throughsignature capture via recipient finger contact with the touchscreen ofthe carrier contact device or through other types of inputs which therecipient has agreed that such input corresponds to their legalsignature. Messages including the parcel identifying indicia, anddelivery documentation are transmitted to the central system circuitryfrom the carrier contact device. In some arrangements the data sent mayalso include position data, such as GPS data, which is indicative of thelocation and time at which such documentation was captured. Suchinformation may be imbedded in metadata of captured images for example.The exemplary central system circuitry is operative to store in at leastone data store the delivery documentation in connection with the otherdata related to the delivery item. Such record information related tothe delivery of the parcel may be stored in at least one data store inconnection with the central circuitry for a programmed period of time sothat the delivery thereof to the recipient can be audited and documentedin the event that questions arise as to the delivery or disposition ofthe particular parcel. Of course these approaches are exemplary and inother arrangements other approaches may be used.

Similar approaches may be used in some exemplary arrangements to have anitem carrier pick up deposit items at an originating shipper address.The item carrier may operate their mobile device to capture the itemidentifying information and other item and shipper information todocument acceptance of the item for transport.

In exemplary arrangements the central system or other connected systemsmay be further operative to assure that the depositories operateproperly and that malfunctions or anomalies are detected and correctedpromptly. For example in exemplary arrangements the central system mayoperate to receive information from the control circuitry associatedwith each depository that is indicative of conditions or statusesassociated with the devices that are included as part of the depositoryor that are in operative connection therewith. In some exemplaryarrangements the control circuitry of each depository may be operativeto automatically report condition and/or status information on aperiodic basis to the central circuitry. Alternatively or in additionthe central circuitry may be operative to periodically poll the controlcircuitry of each depository, which polling messages are operative tocause sending of information by the depository, and the receipt of thecondition or status information by the central circuitry. Variouscombinations of such techniques and alternative arrangements forobtaining condition and status information associated with depositoriesmay be provided in exemplary arrangements.

The control circuitry of depositories in some exemplary arrangements maybe operative in accordance with circuit executable instructions tomonitor signals associated with the devices included in or connected tothe depository. This may include sensors which are operative to detecterrors or malfunctions. For example, the control circuitry may operateto detect situations where sensors such as cameras or other imagecapture devices associated with the depository are no longer operativeto send image signals or have degraded clarity so as to indicate a lossof image capture capability. Other signals may be operative to detect amalfunction of other sensors, such as switches that are operative todetermine the status of the depository door or other component monitoredby the switch. In other exemplary arrangements conditions associatedwith the lock or locks associated with the depository door may bemonitored for purposes of detecting a malfunction or possible efforts attampering. In some exemplary arrangements the circuitry may operate tomonitor the operation of the one or more sensors, such as propertysensors of the types previously discussed. Property sensors such asweight sensors, size sensors, image sensors, and other sensor types aremonitored to determine if a sensor has malfunctioned or has decreasedsensitivity. Other sensors may operate to detect abnormal conditionssuch as high or low temperatures which may indicate a problem or amalfunction. Other sensors may operate to detect smoke or otherparticulate matter which may indicate combustion or other possibleproblems. Additional sensors may be operative to detect the temperatureof the control circuitry, a power supply and/or a battery or otherelement in connection therewith, for purposes of determining a possiblemalfunction.

In other exemplary arrangements conditions associated with sensors ordevices may be monitored to determine malfunctions or other conditionsindicative of problems or a probable future problem. For example, if thedepository is located in an environment that needs to be illuminatedsuch as during evening hours, sensors may be operative to monitor forthe presence of a level of ambient lighting that operates to illuminatethe area of the depository for security reasons. The absence of asufficient level of ambient illumination may be detected as anunacceptable condition which needs to be remedied by the replacement ofbulbs or other illumination devices in the area of the depository.Further in exemplary arrangements the circuitry may be in operativeconnection with sensors that are operative to detect the power drawassociated with the operation of depository devices. For example thecontrol circuitry may be operative to detect the power draw associatedwith the electrical actuation needed for locking or unlocking the lockof the depository. The values associated with the power required forsuch activity may be stored and monitored over time so that changesindicative of a developing problem can be determined. Alternatively orin addition, conditions associated with the available power capabilitiesprovided by a battery and/or solar cells may be monitored to identifycircumstances or trends which indicate that the battery and/or solarpower source has failed or is exhibiting conditions which correspond toprobable upcoming failure. In some exemplary arrangements such data maybe stored and monitored over time. Such data may be analyzed todetermine trends which are indicative of the particular componentnearing an end-of-life condition or a probable future malfunction.

In other exemplary arrangements the control circuitry may operate tomonitor connectivity associated with wireless communications or othercommunication channels for purposes of verifying that the depository ismaintaining the required communications capability with the centralsystem. The inability to maintain such communications capability over aperiod of time may indicate problems associated with the controlcircuitry and/or the network in which the depository is connected.Further in exemplary arrangements the depository may include sensorswhich may sense conditions that are indicative of a criminal attack onthe depository. These may include for example conductivity integritysensors which are positioned in the walls, a bottom and/or one or moredoors of the depository and which are operative to detect holes, cuttingaction or other attempts to access the depository interior. In otherexemplary arrangements seismic sensors may be included in depositoriesfor purposes of detecting circumstances under which a depository may bemoved or may be subject to impacts for purposes of attempting to stealor breach the depository. Still in other exemplary arrangements, sensorsmay be provided in or adjacent to the depository for purposes ofdetermining external conditions such as fire, smoke, heat, flood orother conditions which are problematic to the operation of thedepository unit. Of course these conditions which may be monitored andanalyzed are exemplary, and in other embodiments other conditions may bedetected and approaches may be used.

In exemplary arrangements the control circuitry associated with thedepository may operate to analyze signals or conditions, and sendmessages to notify the central system circuitry of the particularcondition. In some exemplary arrangements the depository controlcircuitry may be configured to operate so that detection of thecondition may be automatically notified to the central system circuitryas soon as it is detected. This may include categories of urgentconditions such as circumstances which correspond to criminal attacksthat attempt to access the interior of the depository. In othercircumstances data corresponding to other less urgent conditions may bestored as status data in one or more data stores associated with thedepository control circuitry. Such status condition information may besent individually or in combination with other status information to thecentral system circuitry when the depository is polled or otherwiserequested to submit status data. Of course these approaches areexemplary and in other embodiments other approaches may be used.

In some exemplary arrangements the central system circuitry may beoperative to include data corresponding to acceptable operatingparameters and ranges for the operation of components included indepositories. Such stored data may correspond to a model, template orother arrangement of information that provides suitable ranges fordetected readings, parameters or conditions when a depository isoperating properly. In exemplary arrangements communications between thecentral system circuitry and the control circuitry of each depositorymay be operative to determine the information from the depositorynecessary to compare the status information associated with thedepository to the stored data. The central circuitry may operate inaccordance with its programmed instructions to identify anomalies orirregularities in the data from the depository and to determine thecondition or conditions indicated by this data. Further in exemplaryarrangements the central circuitry may be operative to identify theremedial actions that are necessary in response to the data that isreceived from a depository.

In exemplary arrangements in response to determining abnormalconditions, problems, malfunctions or developing conditions at adepository, the central system circuitry may operate in accordance withits programmed circuit instructions to take programmed actions inresponse to such determinations. Such programmed actions may include forexample, sending one or more messages to other systems to indicate theneed for repair, servicing or other actions associated with theparticular depository. In other circumstances such actions may includenotifying appropriate authorities of the condition at a depository. Forexample if the detected condition includes an attempted theft, breach ofthe depository or fire condition, the central system circuitry mayoperate to notify appropriate police or fire authorities in the areawhere the depository is located. In other circumstances the centralsystem circuitry may operate in accordance with its programming tocommunicate with other systems to schedule a service call or otherremedial or preventive maintenance at the particular depository tocorrect conditions and/or to replace parts that may be reaching thepredicted end of useful life. Of course these approaches are exemplaryand in other embodiments other approaches may be used.

In still other exemplary arrangements the central system circuitry maybe operative to communicate with the depository to attempt remotecorrection of problematic conditions which are detected. For example, incircumstances where the depository or device included therein may not beoperating in a proper manner, the exemplary system may operate todownload to the control circuitry of the depository, circuit executableinstructions that may correct or reduce the effect of the problem. Thismay include for example, downloading to the control circuitry of thedepository a substitute script to be executed by the control circuitryfor purposes of controlling a particular device. The central system maycause the download of instructions that cause the control circuitry ofthe depository to execute the substitute script and report the resultsto the central system. The results reported may indicate further stepsthat can be taken by the central system through detecting signals fromthe control circuitry and downloading further scripts or otherinstructions for purposes of remotely determining the problem and/ormaking corrections. In other arrangements the central system may operateto cause the control circuitry of a depository or devices connectedthereto to reboot or otherwise initialize in an attempt to addressproblems or correct anomalies. Of course it should be understood thatthese approaches are exemplary and in other embodiments numerous otherapproaches may be used.

As illustrated in FIG. 35 there is provided an exemplary parceltransaction monitor 3501, for a monitored-access parcel depository,which is alternatively referred to herein as a repository or a lock box.Deposit items and delivery items are alternatively referred to herein asparcels or packages. The exemplary repository (not shown), includescontrol circuitry including at least one controller 3502 withsensor/actuator arrays 3503 and 3504 respectively. The control circuitryis operable to monitor parcel transactions for at least one of parceldelivery or parcel extraction transactions in relation to saidrepository, and providing for at least one of:

An incipient transaction detection module 3505 for prospectivelydetecting an incipient parcel transaction in relation to the repositoryof an at least one of a possible parcel for delivery transaction, or apossible parcel carrier intent on a repository parcel transaction;

A parcel transaction characterization module 3506 for differentiallycharacterizing a parcel transaction; or,

A parcel-inventory and transaction-recording module 3507 for sensing achange in repository parcel inventory resulting from a repository parceltransaction.

These exemplary modules are adapted to variously employ elements andfunctions of said controller and array for the respective operationsthereof, and the elements and functions of the controller and array maybe variously shared between the modules in the execution of theirrespective operations.

An incipient transaction detection module 3505 is comprised of acontroller 3502 and sensor/actuator arrays 3504/3503 for use with acontrolled-access parcel repository which includes at least one sensorfor detecting proximity (which may involve physical contact with therepository or something more distant) of a possible parcel for deliveryor a possible parcel carrier intent on a repository parcel transaction.

By way of example, this module may employ for this purpose, thecontroller with one or combinations of sensors/actuators of said array,including:

Accelerometers, or similar repository movement or contact detectors,(e.g. even something as simple as a contact switch—such as a button or akeyboard, or the operation of a parcel repository access door or chute);

Ultrasonic, photoelectric, infra-red, exogenous motion or presencedetectors; or,

Proximity or estimated time of arrival by radio-frequency—e.g. bytracking a parcel or its carrier location using a GPS signal through asmart phone or other communications device (geo fencing, geo locationetc.), or more locally by detecting an RFID or NFC device signal, aBluetooth device or the like.

The proximity detection module may, on detection of such proximity, andpresupposing thereby a possible parcel for delivery or a possible parcelcarrier intent on a repository parcel transaction, be operable tofurther actuate one or both of the other modules. Accordingly, inaspects of exemplary arrangements the incipient transaction detectionmodule may further operate an at least one actuator for:

actuating a parcel transaction characterization module of saidcontrolled-access parcel repository for differentially characterizing aparcel transaction.

actuating a parcel-inventory and transaction-recording module forsensing a change in repository parcel inventory resulting from arepository parcel transaction.

In this way the transaction detection module may power-up otherrepository modules which may have been turned off or in a hibernatingmode in the absence of a prospective parcel transaction (as a powerconservation measure or to prepare such modules for use, in order toexpedite the impending parcel transaction).

In an aspect of an exemplary arrangement a parcel transactioncharacterization module is comprised of a controller and sensor/actuatorarray for use with a controlled-access parcel repository, and includingat least one automated sensor operable to facilitate at least one ofpackage or item carrier identification sensing of a corresponding atleast one of a possible package or possible carrier presenting at saidrepository, wherein said module differentiates sensed identificationsensor input thereof to correspondingly:

-   -   facilitate an impending pre-authorized transaction corresponding        to said identification; or,    -   call for a real-time ad hoc user-mediated authorization for an        impending transaction, and facilitate a call-responsive ad hoc        user-mediated authorization for said impending transaction; or,    -   decline (by default, in the absence of at least one of the two        above mentioned “authorizations” to actively facilitate an        otherwise unauthorized impending transaction).

Sensed identification sensor may be a controller and array associatedcamera (which may include a facial recognition facility) or scanner(e.g. bar code, or QR code or the like), a voice or other acoustic inputrecognition sensor, an RFID, Bluetooth or other parcel transactionidentifier for input into said module to differentiate between andselectively facilitate the above operations.

In the instance of an impending pre-authorized transaction correspondingto said sensed identification input, this module may employ acontroller/array associated communications module 3508 to signalspecifics of the impending transaction to, for example, the repositoriesowner/user and/or the parcel carrier or carrier service.

In calling for a real-time ad hoc user-mediated authorization for animpending transaction the parcel transaction characterization module mayactuate a communications module (which the controller includes orprovides access to), to contact a user with a request for authorizationof the impending parcel transaction—and subject to a user's authorizingresponse thereto, to facilitate the impending transaction as anauthorized one.

In an instance of an identified pre-authorized transaction, or aninstance wherein a real-time ad hoc user-mediated authorization isreceived in response to a call, the parcel transaction characterizationmodule may signal a latching actuator, as elaborated below in relationto an accessibility control according to an aspect of an exemplaryarrangement.

Where the module operates otherwise than in facilitating an authorizedtransaction, it may be operable to notify a user (e.g. through saidcommunications module) of an unauthorized characterization status of thepresumed parcel transaction.

In another aspect of an exemplary arrangement there is provided aparcel-inventory and transaction-recording module, for use with acontrolled-access parcel repository including an at least one sensor forsensing a change in package inventory resulting from a repository parceltransaction.

Parcel sizes may be employed (scanned or otherwise sensed as for exampleby photo-detectors adapted to detect the presence of parcels throughinterruption of a light beam), or recorded images of the parcels may bestored for these purposes, but an exemplary operation senses parcelweights, by way of a weight (e.g. load) sensor that measures theaccumulated parcel weight secured within the interior of the repository.The load or other inventory sensor communicates with acontroller-associated memory to log changes in the sensed weight inassociation with changes in the parcel inventory. In an exemplaryarrangement, such a memory correlates parcel transaction identificationswith the particular weight change (and time for embodiments where thecontroller includes a clock facility for such a purpose) associated withthe sensed change in the repository's parcel inventory.

In an exemplary arrangement, there is provided an accessibility control,for a controlled-access parcel repository, and comprised of at least onecontroller with a sensor/actuator array operable to selectively controlaccess to said parcel repository, and comprised of at least onecontroller with a sensor/actuator array operable to facilitatecontrolled-access parcel transactions for at least one of parceldelivery or parcel extraction transactions in relation to saidrepository, and providing a parcel transaction characterization modulefor facilitating selective locking and unlocking operations of arepository lock actuator, in association with authorized parceltransactions characterized by said parcel transaction characterizationmodule. A latching mechanism may be operated by an actuator through thecontroller operation by the parcel transaction characterization module.

The accessibility control may be used in association with any controlledaccess repository, including by way of example only, a building'svestibule, a parcel through-wall passage portal, a garage door, astorage shed, a chest or lock box or other such providing restrictedaccess to an interior space serving to secure parcels reposing therein.Repositories of exemplary arrangements may, in addition to a securedaccess thereto, may also provide an unsecured access for facilitatingparcel deliveries—see for example the provision of a one-way chute inthe repository embodiment depicted in FIGS. 36 through 39 , which mayprovide for delivery of parcels notwithstanding the authorization statusassociated with any given delivery. In such cases, the accessibilitycontrol may be used to selectively facilitate authorized access torestricted areas of the repository in question.

The accessibility control herein may further provide for at least one ofthe incipient transaction detection module or the parcel-inventory andtransaction-recording modules mentioned elsewhere herein.

In general, including in conjunction with modules 3505-3507,communications module 3508 may be operated through controller 3505 tocommunicate sensor-related signals to parties variously involved in aparcel transaction; and to receive authorization and to control signalsfrom such parties, to operate actuators associated with actuator array3504. Cellular, Wi-Fi, land line, internet, or other communicationschannels may be employed in this connection. Other exemplary aspects ofthe controller and array features relating to an exemplary arrangementare disclosed in relation to the embodiments of FIGS. 40 through 44described elsewhere herein.

Referring now also to FIGS. 36 through 39 there is illustrated variousviews of an example of a parcel repository related to aspects ofexemplary arrangements.

In accordance with an aspect of an exemplary arrangement, there isprovided a parcel repository comprising a free-standing parcelrepository 3601, defining an enclosure comprised, in part, by a toppanel 3602 a adapted to cooperate with the enclosure's sides, back andbottom panel assembly 3602 b, and a molded cabinet face frame 3602 c.

This repository includes a one-way delivery chute 3603, providing anaccess portal for introduction and passage of a parcel delivery intosaid repository, but further including a gate for interfering withremoval through that chute, of parcels secured within a secured storagebay portion of the repository. External portions of the chute which willbe considered a door for purposes of this disclosure, include a deliverychute front panel 3603 a, and a hinge 3603 b for facilitating openingand closing of the panel as well as operation of the chute 3603 moregenerally.

This repository further includes a selectively securable (e.g.locked/unlocked) parcel storage bay 3604 having a hinged storage baydoor hinge 3604 a and a corresponding hinge 3604 b to facilitate theopening and closing thereof. Storage bay 3604 corresponds to an interiorarea of the repository.

Hinges 3603 b and 3604 b are mounted on respective portions of a frameportion of the cabinet face 3602 c.

This repository arrangement (by way of example) provides for twodelivery modalities: one facilitated through one-way delivery chute3603; and the other directly into storage bay 3604 through selectivelysecured hinged door 3604 a. However, of these two distinct deliverymodalities, only the hinged door 3604 a is adapted to facilitatewithdrawal of parcels from the storage bay 3604. This arrangementflexibly facilitates parcel deliveries to be made without necessarilyrequiring any particular pre-authorization or real-time authorization,but necessitates authorized access to storage bay 3604 in order toremove delivered parcels from the secured storage bay 3604.

Repository 3601 also provides for an inner-delivery chute front interiorpanel 3603 c for supporting parcels for delivery during parcelintroduction through delivery chute 3603 on its way into storage bay3604. Chute 3603 is opened for a delivery transaction, by drawing arecessed handle 3603 i forward and downwardly, rotating front panel 3603a and attached front interior panel 3603 c outwardly together, aroundhinge 3603 b. Pivot anchors 3603 f (secured to front interior panel 3603c), in turn draw outwardly and downwardly through pivot pins 3603 k,pulling tray 3603 h to rotate by the pivot pins 3603 k which areconnected to connecting arms 3603 e to anchor 3603 j on the tray. Tray3603 h rotates in response to this action, around tray pivots 3603 gthat connect tray 3603 h to enclosure side and back and bottom panelassembly 3602 b—and into a position that provides a generally coplanardelivery chute surface alignment with front interior panel 3603 c. Thatco-planar alignment facilitates the transfer of a parcel from the panel3603 c onto the receiving surface 3603 d of tray 3603 h.

With a parcel positioned on the receiving surface 3603 d of tray 3603 h,the return of front panel 3603 a towards its upright and ultimatelyre-closed position, rotates tray 3603 h from the coplanar alignmentmentioned above, into an inclined orientation, which induces the parcelto slide along and ultimately off of supporting tray 3603 h, to releasethe parcel into the repository's interior area, where delivered parcelsaccumulate in storage bay 3604, in supported relation on parcelrepository bay floor 3608.

In the illustrated embodiment, parcel delivery transactions made throughthe chute are not restricted by the operation of the accessibilitycontrol.

Parcel bay floor 3608 is connected with a load sensor 3607, which isoperable to sense increases/decreases in the accumulated weight ofdelivered parcels stored within storage bay 3604 on bay floor 3608, asparcels are added by delivery transactions, or removed during pickuptransactions to and from repository 3601.

Controller 3609 is connected to an array of sensors and actuators,including latch actuator 3604 c an acoustic transducer 3610, an on-boardcamera/scanner (not shown), and load sensor 3607. Controller 3609 alsoincludes a power management connection for selectively powering therepository operations using a utility line voltage source (not shown) orbattery power from battery 3606, or other power sources (not shown, butincluding by way of example, solar panels). The exemplary controller3609 is also in operative connection with a wireless antenna 3605 toprovide wireless communications.

The on-board camera provides for video and/or still pictures, as well asfor bar-code/QR-code scan sensing. The acoustic transducer 3610 providesfor audio signaling, and optionally for audio pick-up (sound sensing).Load sensor 3607 senses weight changes reflecting changes in parcelinventory secured within repository 3601 interior area—and may furtherassociate weight changes with particular parcel transactions. Latchactuator 3604 c facilitates locking and unlocking operations of door3604 a to provide selective access to storage bay 3604.

Referring now to FIGS. 40 through 44 , there are illustrated examples ofaspects of exemplary arrangements relating to a delivery lock box (i.e.repository) controller (or controller module) for operating a deliverylock box, and comprises a controller operable for controlling lock boxperipherals of arrays thereof to provide discrete modularfunctionalities variously related to unattended-delivery lock boxconvenience as well as operational and forensic security, but moreparticularly to providing combinations of modular functions variouslycooperating for providing augmented, and in some embodiments, real-timeremote user interface access for such operational/forensic security. Inaccordance with an exemplary arrangement there is provided discretemodular functionalities variously related to unattended-delivery lockbox convenience as well as operational and forensic security, as well asproviding combinations of modular functions cooperating variously forproviding augmented, and in some embodiments, real-time remote userinterface access for such operational/forensic security. Moreparticularly, exemplary arrangements include a (e.g. package) deliverylock box controller module for operating a delivery lock box having acontroller operable for controlling lock box peripherals including oneor more of: a lock box communications module; a camera and imagerecording module; a proximity detection sensor module; a lock boxmotion/shock detection sensor module; and/or a remote lock actuatormodule.

The lock box communications module is adapted to facilitate RF (radiofrequency) communication of lock box peripherals data to a lock boxuser, and may additionally variously facilitate lock box peripheralcontrol by the user.

The camera and image recording module is adapted to be selectivelyoperable for pre-determinedly capturing and recording at least one imageof at least a portion of the lock boxes surroundings. In an aspect ofthe present arrangement, the camera may also serve a scanner/readerfunction.

The proximity detection sensor module may serve in the detection of atriggering presence within a range proximal to the lock box andsignaling (buzzer or other acoustical device, or RF e.g. through thelock box communications module) a proximity notification of suchpresence.

The lock box motion/shock detection sensor module, operable fordetecting a triggering lock box motion or shock and signaling (buzzer orother acoustic or illumination device, or RF signaling e.g. through thelock box communications module) a motion/shock detection notification.

The remote lock actuator module is operable by an authorized remote userto operate the lock actuator module's lock actuator.

A controller module in the context of exemplary arrangements can be, forexample, a chip, an expansion card, or a stand-alone device thatinterfaces with one or more peripheral devices. Preferably, thecontroller module comprises a single board implementation comprising acentral processing unit (processor) that processes data, memory thatholds the programs and data to be processed (although memory mayalternatively be located off-board), and I/O (input/output) devices asinterfaces that communicate with diverse peripheral devices.

FIG. 40 schematically depicts an embodiment of a control module 4001according to an exemplary arrangement, comprising a printed circuitboard 4002, a processor 4003, a memory 4004, an I/O processor interface4005, and on-board I/O devices 4006 and I/O pin socket 4007 forconnection to off-board I/O devices (not shown).

In accordance with the exemplary arrangement, computer buses of one formor another facilitate data transactions between the processor, memoryand these peripherals.

Referring now to FIG. 41 , a block schematic representation is providedto illustrate a generalized relationship between processor 4003, memory4004, and a plurality of interface devices 4005 a, 4005 b and 4005 cassociated with respective peripherals 4007 a, 4007 b and 4007 c. Memorybus 4008, address bus 4009 and control bus 4010 are also illustrated inan intermediary relationship with the processor 4003 and the interfacedevices 4005 a-c.

The control bus is used by the processor for communicating with otherdevices, while the address bus carries the information about the devicewith which the processor is communicating and the data bus carries theactual data being processed, and the control bus carries commands fromthe processor and returns status signals from the devices. Where anaddress bus is used to specify a physical address—such that when aprocessor or direct memory access (DMA) enabled device needs to read orwrite to a memory location, the address bus specifies that memorylocation on the address bus, but the data value to be read or written toor from that address, is sent on the data bus. The memory bus typicallyconnects the main memory to the memory controller and is often designedto connect directly to DRAM chips.

Referring now to FIG. 42 there is depicted a function block diagramdepicting processor 4003 interactions with interface 4005, through thedata bus 4008, the address bus 4009, and in the case of the control bus4010 as I/O read and I/O write transactions 4010 a and 4010 b,respectively. Interface 4005 in turn, transacts with I/O devices such asdevices 4006 or peripherals 4007 a-c, through an I/O bus 4011 includingdata validation and acceptance transactions 4012 and 4013, respectively.

Referring now to FIG. 43 , an exemplary embodiment of the controllermodule is illustrated. A main controller board 4002 a, includes ageneral purpose I/O pin socket 4007, servicing: door lock/positionsensors 4007 d, for lock and door position sensors associated with adelivery lock box locker door(s); internal lighting control 4007 e;external proximity sensor(s) 4007 f; and, a motion detector(accelerometer) 4007 g.

Controller board 4002 a further includes a PWM (pulse width modulation)output 4014 for controlling analog circuits with a microprocessor'sdigital outputs—in this instance, a transaction interaction buzzer 4007h and a theft alarm 4007 i.

Also provided on controller board 4002 a, is a DSPI serial interfaceconnection 4015 which is a fully configurable SPI master/slave device,facilitating the microcontroller's communication with serial peripheraldevices—in this case an SD memory card 4019.

Controller board 4002 a also provides for a universal asynchronousreceiver/transmitter (UART) to serial peripheral interface (SPI)interface connection 4016, which is used for communication between SPIslave devices (from a processor) and a UART port—in this instanceproviding for a Wi-Fi/Bluetooth radio peripheral 4020.

MIPI/USB interface connector 4017 enables USB connectivity to any imagesensor which is compliant with Mobile Industry Processor Interface(MIPI) Camera Serial Interface standard—connected in this case tocamera/jpeg encoder 4021.

Controller board 4002 a also supports an i.MX6 processor 4018. Processor4018 facilitates high-performance scalable multimedia processing, andincludes integrated power management based on an ARM Cortex-A9 processorsupporting HD 1080p encode and decode operation and having integratedI/O for MIPI CSI-2 camera, Gigabit Ethernet, multiple USB and PCI I/O.Power management is facilitated in conjunction with processor 4018, byway of power controller 4022, to control a hybrid power system based onsolar cells 4023 and lithium batteries 4024.

Referring now to FIG. 44 , an alternative embodiment depicting acontroller board housing 4051, housing a controller board 4051 a.Controller board 4051 a can be designed to support a generic applicationprocessor, however, processor 4052 in this depicted embodiment is aPICO-IMX6 including an ARM Cortex-A9 NXP i.MX6, Small Footprint,System-on-Module (SoM) having Wi-Fi 802.11ac and Bluetooth v. 4.1communication interfaces providing a compact form factor optimized forfree-standing applications with IoT connectedness. Alternativeembodiments may employ other processors, such as ARM core processors, orARM Cortex processors, such as for example, a Qualcomm Snapdragon 410 ewhich is an ARM Cortex A53 processor. Processor 4052 provides I²C busconnections 4053, 4054 and 4055. The I²C bus is a serial,half-duplex—I²C (Inter-Integrated Circuit), synchronous, multi-master,multi-slave, packet switched, single-ended, serial computer bus forattaching lower-speed peripheral ICs to processors and microcontrollersin short-distance, intra-board communications.

Connection 4053 is connected to GPIO expanders 4053 a which are TCA5416AI/O expanders for the two-line bidirectional (I²C) bus and are designedto provide general remote I/O expansion through the I²C interface.Expanders 4053 a are in turn connected to a Bluetooth Wi-Fi pairingbutton 4043 b; an FET switch 4053 c which is adapted to be connectedthrough enclosure 4051 to a connector 4051 b and corresponding deliverylock box connector 4051 c, to delivery lock box external LED lights 4053e; an FET switch 4053 d which is adapted to be connected throughconnectors 405 b and 4051 c, to delivery lock box door locks actuators4053 f ; and through connectors 405 b and 40451 c to delivery lock boxopen door sensors (door “open” contact) 4053 g. Connector 4053 hconnects to delivery lock box internal LED lighting, and is co-operablewith sensors 4053 g.

Connection 4054 supports both an accelerometer 4054 a and a motiondetection module 4054 b.

Accelerometer 4054 a is provided by an LSM303 breakout board whichcombines a magnetometer/compass module with a triple-axis accelerometerin a compact navigation subsystem, and its two pin I²C interface can beshared by other I²C devices, in this case including module 4054 b.

Motion detection module 4054 b provides a motion sensor connection usingan LTC2451 16-bit, analog-to-digital converter which also communicatesthrough the I²C interface 4054. It includes an integrated oscillatorthat does not require any external components and employs a delta-sigmamodulator as a converter core and provides single-cycle settling timefor multiplexed applications. The LTC2451 includes an input samplingscheme that reduces the average input sampling current several orders ofmagnitude lower than conventional ΔΣ converters. The LTC2451 is capableof up to 60 conversions per second and, due to the very largeoversampling ratio, has extremely relaxed antialiasing requirements. Itconnects through pin connector 4054 c to motion sensor 4054 d.

Connection 4055 connects processor 4052 to a separate, delivery lock boxfuel gauge circuit board 4055 a carrying an LTC2943 module whichmeasures battery charge state, battery voltage, battery current forbattery bank 4055 b, as well as its own temperature in standaloneapplications. A precision coulomb counter integrates current through asensing resistor between the battery's positive terminal and the load orcharger. Voltage, current and temperature are measured with an internal14-bit No Latency ΔΣ™ ADC and the measurements are stored in internalregisters accessible via the onboard I²C/SMBus Interface. The LTC2943 isprogrammable for setting high and low thresholds for all four measuredquantities. If a programmed threshold is exceeded, the devicecommunicates an alert by setting a flag in the internal status register.The LTC2943 requires only a single low value sensing resistor to set themeasured current range.

Processor 4052 further includes a PWM (pulse width modulation) output4056 for controlling analog circuits with a microprocessor's digitaloutputs—in this instance, a buzzer speaker or other audio transducer4056 a. An SD card connector 4057 and a Wi-Fi Bluetooth connector 4058are also provided. Bluetooth connector 4058 is connected to an activeantenna power module 4058 a. Connector 4058 b provides for theconnection of a Wi-Fi/Bluetooth antenna.

The SD card connector 4057 is interconnected with an SD card slot 4057a, mounted on controller board 4051 a. An SD card (Secure Digital Card),not shown, is inserted into slot 4057 a to provide reliable data storagein a small form factor for, inter alia, digital camera images, etc. SDcards contain an internal controller interface that handles all internalflash memory operations and data transfer between the processor 4052 andthe card is done in 512 byte block, clock serial mode—using a selectedone of two bus protocols defined for SD cards, (the default native SDmode or a slower SPI mode).

Processor 4052 also provides for a UART connection 4059, communicatingwith a Debug TTL UART 4059 a.

GPIO connection 4060 on processor 4052, supports an LT3651 automaticlithium ion battery charger circuit 4060 a which functions as a solarcharge controller (in conjunction with power supply module 4060 b),charge regulator and battery regulator to limit the rate at whichelectric current is added to or drawn from battery bank 4055 b electricbatteries. Circuit 4060 a prevents overcharging and may protect againstovervoltage, which can reduce battery performance or lifespan, and maypose a safety risk. It may also prevent completely draining (“deepdischarging”) a battery, or perform controlled discharges, depending onthe battery technology, to protect battery life. Connector 4060 cprovides for the connection of solar panels or external DC powersupplies.

Processor 4052 provides a camera Serial Interface (CSI) 4061 conformingto MIPI Alliance specifications that provide for an interface between acamera and host processor 4052. Interface 4061 connects to a MIPIconnection 4061 a which in turn is connected to an OV5645 highperformance, 5-megapixel system-on-chip (SOC) 4061 b. This sensor'ssingle MIPI port replaces both a bandwidth-limited DVP interface and acostly embedded JPEG compressor, with attendant savings on siliconfootprint and cost.

USB host connector 4062 connects to a USB to SATA bridge 4062 a. Bridge4062 a is a TUSB9261 ARM® Cortex® M3 microcontroller based USB 3.0 toserial ATA bridge. It provides the necessary hardware and firmware toimplement a USB attached SCSI protocol (UASP)-compliant mass storagedevice suitable for bridging hard disk drives (HDD), solid state diskdrives (SSD), optical drives, and other compatible SATA 1.5-Gbps or SATA3.0-Gbps devices to a USB 3.0 bus. Bridge 4062 a connects in turn toSATA/PWR connector 4062 b.

Serial Peripheral Interface bus (SPI) is a synchronous serialcommunication interface 4063 a for connecting to an analog to digitalconverter 4063 a. Converter 4063 a is an ADS1148 device providing 16-bitanalog-to-digital converter that includes many integrated features toreduce system cost and component count for sensor measurementapplications—including a low-noise, programmable gain amplifier (PGA), aprecision delta-sigma (ΔΣ) ADC with a single-cycle settling digitalfilter, and an internal oscillator and a built-in, low-drift voltagereference, and two matched programmable excitation current sources(IDACs).

GPIO interface 4064 connects though FET switches 4064 a to control LEDlights connected through connectors 4053 e and 4053 h.

Referring now to the drawings in general: One aspect of an exemplaryarrangement provides for a delivery lock box controller module, housedfor example in a housing 4051, and adapted for operating a delivery lockbox (not shown). This aspect of the exemplary arrangement comprises acontroller (such as controller board 4051 a and processor 4052), that isoperable for controlling lock box peripherals. In particular, the moduleaccording to this aspect of the exemplary arrangement provides for aremote lock actuator module that is operable by an authorized remoteuser. The remote lock actuator module comprises processor 4052 and I²Cbus connection 4053, GPIO expanders 4053 a, FET switch 4053 d andenclosure connector 405 b. With enclosure connector 405 b engaged withdelivery lock box connector 4051 c, processor 4052 may be instructed byan authorized user, to operate lock box door lock actuators 4053 f to inturn permit access to the lock box interior and thereby facilitateintroduction or removal of lock box contents. Preferably, the operationof the lock box door lock actuators 4053 f is attended by the operationof lock box external LED lights 4053 e by processor 4052 acting acrossthe connection of connectors 405 b and 4051 c, and by way of FET switch4053 c, GPIO expanders 4053 a and I²C bus connection 4053 of processor4052. This arrangement can draw a delivery agent's attention to the lockbox and aid in the delivery agent's completion of the user-authorizedlock box transaction. This can be important since it is often desirablefor the lock box installation to be discretely placed, and/or to have itfit unobtrusively into the local decor. Note too, however, that externalLED lights 4053 e can be operated by processor 4052 independently of theoperation of door lock actuators 4053 f. This facility for independentoperation of external LED lights 4053 e permits them to be used simplyas a local source of augmented lighting; or as a flashing light sourcein the case of an emergency or security threat without occasioning theconcurrent release of the locks. Moreover lock box internal LEDoperation through connector 4053 h is also independent of the operationof external LED lights 4053 e, and operate instead in cooperation withopen door sensor 4053 g with its connections through connectors 405 band 4051 c, GPIO expanders 4053 a, I²C bus connections 4053 to processor4052. This represents a power saving in circumstances where illuminationof the lock box interior is not required and is an importantconsideration for lock box installations that function without recourseto the electrical grid.

The lock box controller module comprising controller board 4051 a andprocessor 4052 may make provision for a camera and image recordingmodule—as for example by way of camera 40461 b, MIPI interface 4061 a,and camera serial interface 4061. This arrangement is preferablyselectively operable to (optionally pre-determinedly) capture and recordat least one image of at least a portion of said lock boxessurroundings. The recording may be captured using an off-board storagedrive, using USB host connector 4062, USB to SATA bridge 4062 a, and USBhost connector 4062 b, under the direction of processor 4052.Alternatively, the recording may be captured on an SD card (not shown)using SD card connector 4057 and SSD card slot 4057 a. An authorizeduser may trigger processor 4052 to activate the camera and/or therecorder to selectively capture images. In one embodiment processor 4052operates camera 4061 b more or less continuously, and records capturedimages on a memory device as mentioned above, but in a short termfirst-in-first out over-writing buffer file. Subject then to theoccurrence of a pre-determined triggering event, the buffer file istransferred to an archive file, preserving images recorded in advance ofthe triggering event and appending recordings of images subsequentlycaptured and recorded to the archive file, for a predetermined time orcondition. Thereafter, the camera 4061 b reverts to said more or lesscontinuous operation and recording later images into the over-writebuffer as aforesaid.

The lock box controller module comprising controller board 4051 a andprocessor 4052 may also make provision for a proximity detection sensormodule comprising motion sensor 4054 d, pin connector 4054 c, motiondetection module 4054 b and I²C bus connection 4054 for detecting atriggering presence within a range proximal to the lock box, andsignaling (e.g. by but not limited to a buzzer or other acousticaldevice, or flashing external LEDs as mentioned above), a proximitynotification of such presence. This signaling may aid in directinglegitimate approaches to the lock box, or deter illegitimate interest,and in either case, place the authorized user on alert to the motion inproximity to the lock box.

Similarly, the lock box controller module comprising controller board4051 a and processor 4052 may also make provision, through accelerometer4054 a and I²C bus connection 4054, for a lock box motion/shockdetection sensor module, operable for detecting a triggering lock boxmotion or shock and signaling (again, for example, via buzzer or otheracoustic or illumination device) a motion/shock detection notificationto the user. Preferably, this notification is of a loud and insistentcharacter that will assertively deter any attendant theft attempt orvandalism.

In an exemplary embodiment, the controller board 4051 a and processor4052 provide for a lock box communications module, in this case by wayof a System-on-Module (SoM) having built in Wi-Fi 802.11 a c andBluetooth v. 4.1 radios and communication interfaces providing a compactform factor optimized for free-standing applications with local RFnetworks as well as providing for IoT (internet of things)connectedness. Processor 4052 is thereby adapted to facilitate RFcommunication of lock box peripherals data to a lock box user—using inthis particular case, SPI connector 4063, A/D converter 4063 a as wellas Bluetooth connector 4058 and active antenna power module 4058 a withits connections through connectors 405 b and 4051 c to antenna 4058 b.In operation, control module 4001 with a communications module (e.g.,associated with processor 4052 as per the above) comprises a lock boxBluetooth/Wi-Fi communications module which provides forBluetooth-mediated configuration of Wi-Fi network connections betweenthe lock box communications module and an available (e.g., local)user-selected Wi-Fi network. More particularly, the Bluetooth facilitymay be operable to link with a user phone and in turn enable a userphone to connect/configure the lockbox to a user selected local Wi-Finetwork.

Controller module 4001 may also be operable such that a “proximitynotification” includes remotely communicating a “detected presence” to auser's communication device (or some other user proxy), through thecommunications module. (Note that in general, communications to the userdevice are typically mediated via Wi-Fi or other local RF networks aswell as through cellular, internet, landlines, microwave and all thevarious modems/gateways or the like that may be variously associatedwith those networks). In an exemplary embodiment, for example, thecontrol module 4001 further comprises a cellular data modem (not shown)operable to provide an alternative user notification to a user in theevent that Wi-Fi functionality is not used or not available for thispurpose.

Similarly, controller module 4001 may be operable to convey motion/shockdetection notifications by remotely communicating a detectedmotion/shock notification to a user's communication device,substantially as described in the preceding paragraph.

The operation of the exemplary camera and image recording module isselectively predetermined to provide continuous operation and recordingand this is facilitated by one or both of an on-board recording storageor to Wi-Fi connected storage. (Either or both such storage facilitiescan be FIFO (first-in-first out) over write in order to facilitatecurrency of recordings in the absence of unlimited storage capacity).Controller module 4001 may also be employed such that the camera andimage recording module is additionally or alternatively selectivelypredetermined to be intermittently operated—subject, for example, to adetected-event-triggered operation. In one exemplary arrangement forexample, controller module 4001 may be operable such that a proximitynotification comprises triggering the camera and image recording moduleto record and/or communicate to a user's communication device (or userproxy), that at least one image associated with the proximitynotification. Similarly, the control module 4001 may be operated suchthat the motion/shock detection notification comprises triggering saidcamera and image recording module to record and/or communicate to auser's communication device (or user proxy), of an at least one imageassociated with the motion/shock detection. In an exemplary arrangement,the intermittent operation of the camera and image recording module iscoextensive with ongoing detection of a detected trigger event.

In exemplary embodiments where the control module 4001 operates imagestorage as a first-in-first out overwrite storage buffer, the camera andimage recording module is further operable in response to a detectedtrigger event, to save the associated at least one image from thefirst-in-first out overwrite storage buffer to a long term storagearchival location, and preferably so that when a detected trigger eventso operates the camera and image recording module, that module savesassociated images from the buffer, beginning from a predetermined timepreceding detection of the detected event. Moreover, in an exemplaryarrangement when a detected trigger event so operates the camera andimage recording module, it is operated so as to save associated imagesfor a predetermined time following termination of detection of thedetected event.

In the depicted exemplary embodiment control module 4001 is furtheroperable to manage a hybrid power source power supply module 4060 bprovided from a primary power source selected from at least one of asolar power source and a line power source; and, a secondary batterypower reserve source (battery bank supply 4055 b), with the hybrid powersource being operable to variously power the delivery lock boxoperations, and employs delivery box fuel gauge circuit board 4055 a inthat connection. The control module 4001 also operates power supplymodule 4060 b, using battery charger circuit 4060 a to charge thesecondary (battery bank 4055 b) source from the primary source(s).

The control module 4001 may further comprise a cellular data modem toprovide an alternative user notification to a user, (collateral withWi-Fi functions, or as an alternative if Wi-Fi is not available).

In an aspect of an exemplary arrangement, there is also provided a weighscale peripheral connection 4066. The connection to processor 4052 canbe variously facilitated—e.g., through a general input output interface.The weigh scale peripheral may be used to signal the arrival/presence ofa package within a repository enclosure—and also in conjunction with theparcel inventory module, to track arrival and withdrawal of one or moreparcels from the parcel inventory secured within the repository.

FIGS. 45-48 show an alternative arrangement of a delivery itemrepository 670. Repository 670 is configured to be utilized in a systemwhich includes a plurality of repositories of the same or similarconfiguration, such as one of the repository configurations previouslydiscussed herein. The exemplary system is usable to transport deliveryitems which are also referred to as parcels, from a respectiveoriginating repository to a respective destination repository so as toachieve transport of the parcel from one geographic location to another.Exemplary arrangements may facilitate small-scale parcel deliveryoperations in which item carriers exchange parcels through controlledtransfers which occur through intermediate destination repositoriesunder the control of one or more servers or other central systemcircuitry in a manner like that previously discussed.

The exemplary systems facilitate the use of crowd sourced item carrierparticipation. Such item carriers may operate to transport parcelsbetween originating repositories and destination repositories. In otherexemplary arrangements item carriers may further operate to carry outpickup and delivery activities at points of parcel shipment originationor endpoints of parcel transport that do not include repositories.Exemplary arrangements may provide for a parcel delivery system which isconfigured to transport parcels that are provided from and delivered todiverse locations and at different times by a plurality of differentshipper and recipient system user types.

In exemplary arrangements the system may include a plurality ofgeographically dispersed repositories such as repository 670. Repository670 includes a body having a plurality of separated compartment interiorareas each of which bound a respective enclosed compartment space(alternatively referred to herein as a compartment) that is suitable forholding one or more parcels. Each of the compartment interior areas hasa respective opening that is selectively accessible by authorized userswho are enabled to unlock compartment associated locks and open closuremembers such as respective doors that are movable to provide access torespective compartment interior areas. Each respective repository may beoperated as an originating repository as well as an intermediate orfinal destination repository. Thus the exemplary system provides for afully connected physical topography of repositories.

In exemplary arrangements each of the plurality of repositories is inoperative connection with central system circuitry like that previouslydiscussed which is alternatively referred to herein as controlcircuitry. The exemplary central system circuitry operates as a controlgrid to manage item carrier authorizations and assignments. The centralsystem circuitry also performs monitoring of the pickups of parcels fromoriginating repositories and the delivery of parcels into thedestination repositories. Further in exemplary arrangements themonitoring functions of the central system circuitry may operate toassure that parcel items are delivered in accordance with requiredschedules and/or other handling requirements that may be associated withparticular parcels.

Further in exemplary arrangements the central system circuitry whichcontrols the acceptance, transport and delivery of parcels, providesuseful aspects compared to other parcel distribution methods. This isachieved in some arrangements due to the handling, transport and sortingof a relatively small number of parcels by each authorized shipping userand item carrier user of the system. For example in exemplaryarrangements, each item carrier will generally be involved in handlingless than 10 parcels simultaneously at any given time.

The use of crowd sourced item carriers receiving parcels fromoriginating depositories and transporting parcels through intermediatedestination repositories, facilitates the transport and delivery ofparcels. As item carriers act to provide parcel transport generally incoordination with their other activities such as commuting or othertravel, the ability to move parcels to a final destination repository isfacilitated even though item carriers may only be willing to carryparcels a portion of the overall parcel transport path. Further theexemplary arrangements provide for item carrier compensation fortransport of parcels, which compensation may be readily obtained by theitem carrier in connection with their normal commuting or travelactivities.

The exemplary parcel repository 670 shown in FIGS. 45-48 is configuredto operate as a free-standing device and perform the functionsassociated with an originating depository and a destination repositoryconcurrently for a plurality of parcels. The exemplary repository 670includes a body which is alternatively referred to herein as a housing672. The housing is supported on a base 674. The base 674 includes aforward extending portion 676. The forward extending portion of theexemplary arrangement includes a front to rearward upwardly sloped face678.

The exemplary repository housing 672 further includes a top or cap 680.The exemplary top includes a roof panel 682. Roof panel 682 is slopeddownward from front to rear of the housing 672. The top 680 furtherincludes a forward extending cornice 684. Cornice 684 extends forwardbeyond the front of the central position of the housing 672. Cornice 684has a sloped face 686 that is sloped toward the rear of the housingfurther downward along the face 686.

The exemplary face 686 includes a recess 688. Recess 688 includes a lens690. The exemplary lens 690 is translucent to enable illumination of thefront of the housing by one or more lamps that are positioned within thehousing. The cornice 684 further includes a port or opening 692 therein.An electronics housing 694 extends in the opening 692. The electronicshousing 694 is configured to hold control circuitry 696 which may be ofthe type previously discussed, as well as at least one sensor or inputdevice 698 such as a camera or scanner and a wireless portal.

The exemplary housing 672 includes a pair of side panels 700, 702 and aback panel 704. Panels 700, 702 and 704 bound a partitioned housinginterior that includes a plurality of separated interior areas. Lockerdoors 706, 708, 710, 712 714, 716, 718, 720, 722 and 724 are eachmovably mounted in operative supported connection with the housing 762through respective hinges 726. Each of the locker doors selectivelycontrols access to a respective interior area within the housing 672. Inthe exemplary arrangement each of the doors is changeable between alocked condition and an unlocked condition responsive to a respectiveelectrically actuated lock in a manner similar to that used in thepreviously described repository arrangements.

The exemplary repository 670 is in operative connection with controlcircuitry which may function in a manner similar to that described inconnection with repository 10. In addition repository 670 may includesuitable power sources, sensors, input and output devices, cameras,microphones and wireless portals that operate in ways like thosediscussed in connection with the previously described repositories. Insome exemplary arrangements the repository 670 may operate responsiveentirely to wireless communication with remote central system circuitryand local portable wireless devices. For example user identifyinginformation, access codes and other data that is required to becommunicated to the control circuitry of repository 670 may be receivedvia a wireless portal, rather than keypads, touchscreens or other typesof manually actuatable input devices. Further exemplary arrangements mayprovide outputs wirelessly that can be perceived by system usersadjacent to the repository through their portable wireless devices. Inthis manner the exemplary repository avoids having externally accessiblecomponents that may be subject to vandalism or tampering. Of course itshould be understood that these approaches are exemplary and in otherarrangements other approaches may be used.

It should be understood that the number of separate enclosed compartmentspaces within repository 760 is exemplary, and other repositories mayhave different numbers of separately accessible interior areas. Theexemplary repository 670 also includes a pair of smaller sized interiorareas corresponding to doors 720, 722 compared to the other interiorareas, and a single large interior area corresponding to door 714. Otherparcel repositories used in connection with exemplary systems may havedifferent numbers and sizes of compartments and compartment spaces so asto accommodate the sizes of parcels being handled through operation ofthe repository. Other exemplary repositories may be comprised ofseparate housings that are positioned in adjacent relation so as toprovide larger numbers of compartments with interior areas for theacceptance and release of parcels. Such multiple repositories may becontrolled responsive to common control circuitry and a single userinterface, or may be separately controlled and operable independent ofan adjacent repository. Further, the exemplary repository is configuredto be positioned in a location that is readily accessible to groundtransportation routes. Such configuration facilitates access to therepository by shipper users, item carriers and parcel recipients.

FIG. 49 shows a system 728 of an exemplary arrangement and the flow ofparcels which may occur between repositories in such a system. Theexemplary system includes repository 670 as well as a plurality of otherrepositories schematically indicated 730, 732, 734, 736, and 738. In theexemplary arrangement the repositories included in the system may besimilar to repository 760 or the other repositories described herein. Inalternative arrangements other repository configurations may be used. Itshould be understood that the exemplary system further includes centralsystem circuitry which may be similar to the central system circuitrypreviously discussed.

As represented by arrows T, parcels may be moved between repositories inthe system by item carriers. As represented in FIG. 49 parcels that areinput to the exemplary system at repository 670 that are required to bedelivered at remote final destination repository 734 may be transportedin numerous different ways depending on the available item carriers. Forexample, in some situations a parcel may be transported by an itemcarrier directly from the originating repository 670 to the finaldestination repository 734, as represented by Arrow 740. Such a directtransport from the originating repository to the final destinationrepository may be the result of the fortuitous availability of an itemcarrier who is available to make such direct transport. Alternativelysuch a direct route for the parcel may be the result of the shippinguser paying an incentive fee for prompt delivery or other circumstances.

In alternative circumstances a parcel that is received in originatingrepository 670 that is determined by the central system circuitry asrequired to move to repository 734 as the final destination repository,may be moved by item carriers to one or more intermediate destinationrepositories before reaching the final destination repository. Forexample a parcel may be moved from the originating repository 670 tointermediate destination repository 730 by an initial item carrier asrepresented by Arrow 742. The parcel may then be moved from repository730 to interim destination repository 732 by another item carrier asrepresented by Arrow 744. Finally the parcel may be moved fromrepository 732 to the final destination repository 734 by another itemcarrier as represented by Arrow 746. Of course as can be appreciatedfrom the other arrows shown in FIG. 49 , the parcel may take a moredirect path to the final destination repository 734 as a result of theavailability of other item carriers that can transport the parcel alongthe more direct path.

As can be appreciated, the exemplary system 728 may also be operatedresponsive to the central system circuitry to achieve parcel deliveriesto a final destination repository in a more rapid manner than mightotherwise occur based on the availability of item carriers. For examplethe programming associated with the central system circuitry may providefor the consolidation of multiple parcel transport jobs that can beoffered to a single item carrier as an incentive to complete the parceltransports more quickly. For example the exemplary central systemcircuitry may operate to accommodate transport of a collection or bundleof parcels to an intermediate destination repository that may not be onthe most direct path to a final system repository for some of theparcels. However, by moving the parcels to an interim destinationrepository that is closer to the final destination repository morequickly via transport consolidation, the system may achieve delivery atthe final destination repository more quickly than might otherwiseoccur. Further the central system circuitry may take advantage of itemcarriers who have extended time or delivery location availabilitycompared to other item carriers to achieve movement of more parcels tointerim destination repository locations, from which delivery at thefinal destination repositories may be more rapidly achieved. As can beappreciated these results may be based on the central system circuitryevaluating factors such as available item carriers and carrier locationsduring different dates and times, as well as other factors that areusable to predict and optimize parcel transport.

Of course as can be appreciated, from a shipper user perspective, theoperation of the exemplary system 728 achieves the delivery of deliveryitems such as parcels from an initial originating location such as afirst repository to a final location such as a destination repository.As a result, conceptually the shipment may be considered to have auniversal origin as represented schematically as 748, and a universaldestination as represented schematically as 750. Although a given parcelmay be transported under the control of the central system circuitrythrough numerous different intermediate parcel repositories by differentitem carriers, such system activity does not involve the shipper user orthe delivery item parcel recipient.

Of course it should be understood that exemplary systems may beimplemented in various network topographies such as a peer to peernetwork communications environment between devices included in thesystem. Alternatively, the network topography may include a centralizeddedicated network adapted to cooperatively link the various systemcomponents. Of course other arrangements may include combinations ofdifferent system and network topographies to achieve communicationsbetween the different system components.

As can be appreciated from the prior discussion in connection withrepository 10, the exemplary system 728 may provide for communicationthrough central system circuitry with numerous different types ofauthorized and/or registered system users who carry out different rolesin connection with the system. For example in exemplary arrangementsnetwork communication may be provided with the wireless carrier contactdevices of item carriers to determine transport availability and toprovide transport assignments. Further in exemplary arrangements suchcarrier contact devices may be utilized for purposes of tracking parcelsin transport via GPS or other location monitoring systems. In additioncamera or other reader equipped carrier contact devices may be utilizedfor purposes of scanning machine-readable indicia on parcels,determining size information of parcels or carrying out other actions.Similarly such wireless devices may include wireless portals whichenable communication wirelessly with repositories so as to communicateinformation necessary to access selected interior areas for purposes ofreceiving or depositing parcels.

Further as can be appreciated, in exemplary arrangements the networkcommunications between the repositories and the central system circuitrymay be operative to communicate status and operational information ofthe types previously discussed. Such information may facilitate thequick repair of any repository malfunctions and the avoidance of futuremalfunctions for which symptoms can be detected in advance. Similarlysuch communications may achieve capturing and retaining documentationregarding parcel receipt, transport and delivery such as by the captureof sensor data and other data associated therewith. This may include forexample the capture and retention of image data and other data that isusable to document and verify activities related to various parcels. Ofcourse these functions and capabilities are exemplary and in otherarrangements different or alternative approaches may be used.

FIG. 50 schematically represents components utilized in connection withan exemplary system such as system 728. In the exemplary arrangement thecentral system circuitry 752 comprises at least one processor 754 inoperative connection with at least one data store 756. As previouslydiscussed, although in this exemplary arrangement the central systemcircuitry may be represented as a central server or other computerdevice, in other exemplary arrangements distributed processing andcontrol of the system may be provided in a cloud environment or in avirtual environment within one or more shared platforms.

The exemplary central system circuitry 752 is in operative connectionwith one or more interfaces schematically indicated 758. The interfaces758 provide communications connectivity to other system components whichcommunicate in the system. One or more communication interfaces 760 areprovided to enable communication of the central system circuitry 752 inthe different wired and/or wireless networks to which the componentsincluded in the system are connected. Of course it should be understoodthat in various embodiments numerous different types of communicationsinterfaces may be used.

The plurality of parcel repositories are in operative connection withthe system through the network and send communications through interface760. Such repositories are represented schematically by a repository762. Repository 762 may include components similar to repository 10 or760 or the other repositories that have been previously discussed. Asschematically shown, each repository includes a plurality of connectedcomponents as represented schematically by sensors 764 and actuators766.

The exemplary system further includes carrier contact devices which areutilized by item carriers in a manner like that previously discussed.Such wireless carrier contact devices such as smart phones arerepresented by device 768. Such carrier contact devices include controlcircuitry therein. The control circuitry may include for example ascanner and/or code reader circuitry 770. The exemplary carrier contactdevice may also include a tracking application such as a GPS circuitry772. Interface circuitry 774 suitable for communicating with the centralsystem circuitry 752 may also be included in the exemplary item carriercontact device. Of course it should be understood that these devicecomponents are exemplary and in other arrangements other or additionalcomponents may be used.

As schematically indicated, in the exemplary system devices operated byshipper users as schematically represented 776, may also be in operativeconnection with the central system circuitry through interfaces 760.Shipper user devices 776 may operate in a manner like that previouslydiscussed to provide communications which enable parcel delivery itemsto be transported through the system and delivered into the interiorarea of an originating repository. As can be appreciated numerousdifferent types of shipper user devices and systems may be operative tocommunicate in the system. The exemplary system further includes one ormore administrator devices schematically indicated 778. Suchadministrator devices may be utilized for purposes of monitoringoperation of other devices in the system, providing the mechanism foradding and removing authorized/registered users of the system, receivingalerts or problems identified through operation of system components,generating reports and other information, and providing other oversightand monitoring functions. Of course it should be understood that thisschematic representation of system components is merely a high levelrepresentation of those system components that are included in anexemplary arrangement.

As has been previously described in detailed examples, the exemplarysystem enables a shipper user to utilize the system to ship a parcelfrom an originating location to a destination location through operationof the shipper user device 776. The shipper user device may be operativeto provide to the system information regarding the shipment such as forexample the ID token associated with the shipper that is recognized bybeing registered or otherwise authorized to participate in the system.With regard to the particular shipment, the shipping user device mayprovide information regarding the delivery item and its transportincluding the originating and destination locations, schedulingrequirements (if applicable), item dimensions, weight characteristicsand markings, and other information such as a funds source for paymentfor the shipment.

The exemplary central system circuitry 752 may operate in accordancewith the information received from the shipper device to determine anoriginating repository and a final destination repository for theparticular parcel. The exemplary central system circuitry may also carryout other functions such as checking for space availability in theoriginating repository. The central system circuitry may also provideother information like that previously discussed, that enables theshipper user to apply a label including machine-readable indicia to theparcel that includes a delivery item identifier (alternatively referredto herein as a parcel identifier) or other information which is usableto identify the particular parcel in the system. The central systemcircuitry may also provide to the shipper user device, locationinformation regarding the designated originating depository, an itemdepositor access code and other information that enables the shipperuser to place the parcel in a designated interior area of theoriginating repository.

The exemplary system circuitry also operates to evaluate available itemcarriers, current item carrier locations and available locationdestinations for item transport. The central system circuitry mayoperate in a manner like that discussed to optimize parcel transport orto consolidate movement of multiple parcels to facilitate the receipt ofsuch parcels at each final destination repository. Central systemcircuitry may also present opportunity messages to item carriers andassign transport jobs to such item carriers. The central systemcircuitry may also monitor such item carriers to assure that performanceof transport jobs is timely commenced, and if not, may reassigntransport jobs to other item carriers.

The exemplary arrangements further enable the central system circuitryto monitor repositories for purposes of determining the placement andremoval of parcels into selected interior areas such as compartments byproviding access to authorized users such as shipper users, itemcarriers, and final parcel recipients. The central system circuitryoperates in coordination with the control circuitry of the repositoriesto monitor the placement and taking of each parcel between eachoriginating repository and destination repository. Further the exemplarysystem tracks the parcel and assures the desired movement of the parcelto its final destination repository. In some arrangements the systemfurther operates to provide the recipient of each parcel withnotification of the receipt of the parcel at the final destinationrepository. In such arrangements, the system provides selectivecontrolled access to enable the recipient to remove the parcel from theinterior area of the final destination repository and documents thetaking thereof so as to assure that the parcel has been properlydelivered. Further in exemplary arrangements the charges and creditsassociated with the transport of items are provided through the centralsystem circuitry to assure that parcel transports are paid for and thatparticipants in the system are credited as appropriate for theiractivities. Of course it should be understood that the functions,activities and approaches described herein are exemplary and in otherarrangements other approaches may be used.

Further as previously discussed in some exemplary arrangements thecentral circuitry may be operated so that item carriers deliver parcelsto the destination address of the recipient. In such arrangements thecentral circuitry may be operative to determine a common route which maybe followed by an item carrier to deliver multiple parcels to therecipient addresses. In such arrangements an item carrier may collectthe parcels from one or more compartments within the interior area of arepository responsive to the central system giving access thereto. Theuser may then utilize their portable wireless device to document thetaking of the parcels from the repository for delivery. Further in someexemplary arrangements the central circuitry may be operative to causethe placement of multiple parcels that will be transported together in agroup or bundle that is collected via placement in a single compartment.This may be done to facilitate the ability of the item carrier to obtainthe items to be transported by the item carrier in a shorter period oftime. In such arrangements the central system may provide the itemcarrier with the destination address of each parcel. The item carriermay then document the delivery of each parcel at the respectivedestination address through operation of their mobile wireless device ina manner like that previously discussed. Of course these approaches areexemplary and in other arrangements other approaches may be used.

In some exemplary arrangements the control circuitry associated with theparcel repositories is operative to maintain information concerning theavailable compartment volume in each enclosed compartment space. Thiscapability enables the control circuitry to determine where a particularparcel may be placed within the compartments of a particular repository.Further in exemplary arrangements the ability to determine the availablevolume in compartments enables the control circuitry to determine if aplurality of parcels which may be subsequently transported together as agroup or bundle by an item carrier, can be placed together in a singlecompartment. This capability may facilitate the ability of the itemcarrier to obtain the parcels from the repository so that they can bemore readily accessed and transported to a destination repository orother destination.

In some exemplary systems the at least one data store associated withthe central system circuitry includes data corresponding to informationthat is accessible to item carrier contact devices and that can be usedto facilitate the placement of parcels into and the removal of parcelsfrom repositories. Such additional data is used in exemplaryarrangements to assist item carriers in locating repositories and alsoin carrying out the necessary processes to access and carry out thenecessary parcel transactions at each repository. Such additional datamay also be usable by item carriers to locate areas at customeraddresses where shipments may originate or be delivered.

In some exemplary arrangements the pickup, transportation and deliveryof parcels is facilitated by having assigned geographic catchment areasassociated with particular parcel repositories. In exemplaryarrangements a catchment area is a defined geographic region. Inarrangements where parcels are picked up from entities originatingshipments from initial pickup addresses and/or parcels are delivered toparcel recipients at final delivery addresses by item carriers, eachcatchment area may define an area that is associated with a particularparcel repository. For example in some arrangements parcels that arepicked up from a parcel shipment initiating addresses located in acatchment area are generally initially transported by an item carrier toa specific repository that is associated with that catchment area.Likewise if a final delivery address of a parcel recipient is locatedwithin a catchment area, the parcel is generally transported to therepository associated with that catchment area before it is taken by anitem carrier to the final delivery address of the recipient.

In other exemplary arrangements where shippers take their parcels to arepository to initiate a shipment, the catchment area in which theaddress of the shipper is located may determine the repository to whichthe shipper is directed. Likewise in arrangements where the recipientreceives the parcel directly from a repository, the catchment area inwhich the parcel recipient's address is located may be used to determinethe repository to which the parcel is directed. This helps to assurethat the parcel is delivered to a repository that is in reasonably closeproximity to the recipient's address. While in some exemplaryarrangements one geographic catchment area may be used for defining aregion for both pickup and delivery addresses (and/or shipper andrecipient addresses) for items going to and from a particularrepository, in other arrangements a single repository may have onecatchment area associated with parcel pickups and a different catchmentarea associated with parcel deliveries. Further in other exemplaryarrangements one repository may be used only for incoming parcels thatwill be transported to other repositories, while another repository maybe used only for outgoing “last mile” parcels that will be delivereddirectly from the repository to the final delivery addresses of theparcel recipients by an item carrier. Numerous different arrangementsmay be utilized depending on the requirements and desired operation ofthe particular system.

FIG. 51 represents a plurality of catchment areas 780, 782, 784, 786,788, 790, 792, 794, 796, 798 and 800. Each of the catchment areasrepresents a defined geographic area. Such areas may be bounded bystreets, geographic features, political boundaries or boundaries whichhave been set by the system operator. It should be appreciated that thecatchment areas shown may be a subset of catchment areas and may haveother catchment areas in surrounding relation thereto if the operator ofthe system provides parcel pickups and/or deliveries in adjacentgeographical areas.

A plurality of parcel repositories, 802, 804, 806, 808, 810, 812, 814,816, 818, 820 and 822 are each located within a respective catchmentarea. For example, repository 806 is located in catchment area 784. Aspreviously discussed, in exemplary arrangements the central systemcircuitry includes data corresponding to each catchment area and theparticular repository that is located in the respective catchment area.In the at least one data store associated with the central systemcircuitry, the data corresponding to each repository is associated withthe one respective catchment area in which it is located. Further inexemplary arrangements the central system circuitry includes data andcircuit executable instructions that enable the determination of therespective catchment area in which shippers or initial pickup addressesare located, as well as the respective catchment area associated withrecipient and final delivery address information. Further in exemplaryarrangements the at least one data store includes for parcels that areto be transported from an initial pickup address to a final deliveryaddress, data to determine the respective catchment area and therespective parcel repository associated with the catchment area. Inexemplary arrangements the data corresponding to the initial pickupaddress and the final delivery address are stored in association withthe parcel identifier, which is alternatively referred to herein as aparcel ID, and/or other data that uniquely identifies the particularparcel. Of course it should be understood that this approach isexemplary and in other arrangements other approaches may be used.

As can be appreciated from FIG. 51 , because each catchment area has anumber of other immediately adjacent catchment areas, there can besituations where it is faster and more cost-effective to provide forparcel routing through a repository other than the particular repositorythat is associated with the catchment area in which the initial pickupaddress or final delivery address is located. For example if a parcel isgoing to be delivered at a final delivery address represented 824, theparcel would normally be routed through operation of the central systemcircuitry, which is alternatively referred to herein as controlcircuitry, to a final repository 806 that is located in catchment area784. However, because of other parcels that are being transported andare planned for delivery at about the same time, it may be faster and/ormore cost-effective to have the parcel that is going to be delivered atthe final delivery address indicated 824, to be transported throughrepository 802, 804 or 808. These situations can arise because otherparcels that are being transported through those repositories may havefinal delivery addresses in the respective catchment areas that arephysically closer to the final delivery address 824 than other parcelsthat are currently planned for delivery in catchment area 784. Thisresults because as represented in FIG. 51 , catchment areas 780, 782 and786 all include geographic locations that are in relatively closeproximity to final delivery address 824 in catchment area 784.

While in the exemplary arrangements the central system circuitry isgenerally operative to cause parcels to be routed to the particularrepository that is associated with the catchment area in which the finaldelivery address associated with the respective parcel is located,exception situations can be determined through operation of the centralsystem circuitry. This can be accomplished in exemplary arrangements ina manner like that discussed in U.S. Patent Application 63/081,627 filedSep. 22, 2020 the disclosure of which is incorporated herein byreference in its entirety.

In exemplary arrangements the central system circuitry that is inoperative connection with each of the plurality of parcel repositories,is operative to control the transport and delivery of the parcels. Theexemplary system circuitry is operative to assure that parcels aredelivered in a timely and cost-effective manner. As previouslydiscussed, in exemplary arrangements the central system circuitry is inoperative connection with at least one data store. The at least one datastore includes data corresponding to a final delivery address orlocation for each respective parcel that is currently being transportedin the system. In exemplary arrangements the parcel final deliveryaddress for each parcel is associated with parcel identifyinginformation, which in the exemplary arrangement includes the respectiveparcel identifier. Further in exemplary arrangements, the at least onedata store in operative connection with the central system circuitryincludes data corresponding to a current parcel location for eachrespective parcel. In exemplary arrangements the data corresponding tothe current parcel location is indicative of a current physical locationof the parcel. This may include in some situations, data correspondingto a particular repository in which the parcel is currently positioned.In other situations the current parcel location data may correspond tothe parcel being in possession of an item carrier and in transit betweenrepositories, or in transit between a shipper address and a repository,or in transit between a repository and the final delivery address. Inexemplary arrangements the current location data is associated in the atleast one data store with the parcel identifier. Of course this locationdata is exemplary and in other arrangements other approaches may beused.

Further in exemplary arrangements the at least one data store includesdata corresponding to each respective parcel repository. The stored datafurther includes data corresponding to the geographical catchment areasas previously discussed. The central system circuitry further includesstored data regarding each respective catchment area and the associatedrelation with the respective parcel repository that is located withinthe respective catchment area.

Also as previously discussed, in exemplary arrangements the at least onedata store includes data corresponding to item carriers. The stored datamay include data of the type previously mentioned herein that isassociated with each particular item carrier, as well as data associatedwith the respective carrier's carrier contact device. This may includefor example, contact data for the carrier contact device such as anemail address or phone number used for communication with the itemcarrier contact device. This may also include for example, carrieridentifying data such as identifying data associated with the itemcarrier. This may include biometric data that can be used to uniquelyidentify a particular item carrier. Alternatively such identifying datamay include identifying data such as a token identifier that is storedin at least one data store of the carrier's contact device.

Further in exemplary arrangements the stored data in the at least onedata store includes data corresponding to a parcel carrying capacity ofeach respective item carrier. The parcel carrying capacity dataassociated with the item carrier data is indicative of the parcelcarrying capabilities of the respective item carrier. In some exemplaryarrangements the carrier capacity data includes data corresponding to aquantity of parcels that the particular item carrier is capable oftransporting at one time. In other exemplary arrangements the itemcarrier capacity data may include data corresponding to a volume ofspace that the item carrier has available in their vehicle fortransporting parcels. In other exemplary arrangements the carriercapacity data may include weight data corresponding to a maximum weightof parcels that the item carrier is capable of transporting at one time.Additional information may be stored in the at least one data storeregarding item carriers including information about special transportcapabilities. This may include capabilities to transport items in securecompartments, authority to access certain security areas, capabilitiesto transport items that require refrigerated or other specialconditions, and/or other capabilities that may be provided by theparticular item carrier.

In some exemplary arrangements the at least one data store that is inoperative connection with the central system circuitry may also includeother types of data. Such data may include data corresponding totransport assignments that have been made to item carriers. Such dataregarding transport assignments may include information regardingparticular item carriers, the parcels currently being transported andthe repository to which the parcels will be delivered when the transportassignment is completed. In exemplary arrangements the at least one datastore includes data regarding currently uncompleted item carrier parceltransport assignments. As previously discussed, in exemplaryarrangements the central system circuitry may be operative to tracktransport activities by item carriers in performing uncompletedtransport assignments. Further in exemplary arrangements the centralsystem circuitry may be operative to store data regarding parcel finaldelivery times associated with uncompleted transport assignments. Thismay include for example, information regarding when the parcels involvedin the uncompleted transport assignment are scheduled to arrive at aparticular destination repository. Alternatively or in addition parcelfinal delivery times may include a calculated remaining time window inwhich a particular parcel is required to be delivered. Of course thisapproach is exemplary and in other arrangements other approaches may beused.

In some exemplary arrangements the at least one data store in operativeconnection with the central system circuitry includes other stored datacorresponding to values that are used in connection with controlling themaking of transport assignments to item carriers for purposes oftransporting items. For example, in exemplary arrangements the at leastone data store may include data corresponding to at least one set timewindow that is used in connection with making offers of transportassignments to item carriers. For example in situations where transportassignments are offered to one or more item carriers, the central systemcircuitry may wait for a time corresponding to a particular set timewindow for receipt from a carrier of acceptance of an offer to perform atransport assignment. After the expiration of the time window withoutthe receipt of an acceptance message to perform the transport assignmentby one of the item carriers to which the transport assignment has beenoffered, the central system circuitry may take steps to offer thetransport assignment to one or more other item carriers, and/or mayoffer alternative transport assignments. The stored data regarding timewindows for acceptance of transport assignments may be set by the systemoperator or determined by the central system circuitry based on storedparameters for item carriers or other information. Of course it shouldbe understood that this stored data is exemplary and other arrangementsdifferent or other types of stored data may be used.

In some exemplary arrangements the central system circuitry is operativeto facilitate the transport of parcels from an initial repository inwhich they are received to a destination repository. As previouslydiscussed in some arrangements the parcel may be taken by the parcelrecipient from the destination repository. In other exemplaryarrangements an item carrier, which is alternatively referred to hereinas an item handler, may transport the item from the destinationrepository that corresponds to the catchment area in which the finaldelivery address for the parcel is located, and transport the parcel tothe final delivery address.

In exemplary arrangements the central system circuitry is operative tocause parcels to be arranged in bundles during at least a portion of thetransport between the repository in which they are initially receivedand the destination repository. In exemplary arrangements the centralsystem circuitry operates in accordance with its circuit executableinstructions to determine how parcels should be collected together intobundles to facilitate transport in a cost efficient and timely manner.Generally in exemplary arrangements the central system circuitry is alsooperative to keep track of the parcels by maintaining data in at leastone data store that indicates a current location of each respectiveparcel currently being handled in the system. Further in exemplaryarrangements the central system circuitry is operative to maintainmultiple parcels that may be shipped from a common shipment originatingaddress to a common final delivery address, together throughout the timeof transport. This approach may facilitate assuring that all of theplurality of parcels that make up a common shipment arrive together forthe parcel recipient at the final delivery address. Of course numerousother rules and approaches may be implemented through operation of thecentral system circuitry.

In an exemplary arrangement the at least one data store associated withthe central system circuitry is initially programmed with data thatincludes a plurality of transport base values. The transport base valuesare usable by the central circuitry or other systems to calculatetransport costs between at least two parcel repositories. In exemplaryarrangements the transport base values are stored values that are usableto calculate relative transport costs for parcels between selectedrepositories. In some exemplary arrangements the transport base valuesmay correspond to distance values between repositories. In otherexemplary arrangements the transport base values may correspond toweighing factors which are usable in calculations with other known orcalculated values to make determinations as to relative transport costsbetween repositories. In other exemplary arrangements transport basevalues may correspond to time factors associated with the timeassociated with transport between selected repositories. Further inother exemplary arrangements transport base values may include valuesthat corresponds to the rates which are required to be paid to itemcarriers to move items between different repositories. Further inexemplary arrangements the transport base values may includecombinations of one or more of the above-mentioned factors which areutilized for calculation of the parcel transport costs between two ormore selected repositories.

In an exemplary arrangement the transport base values may correspond tovalues corresponding to the relative cost of transport between pairs ofrepositories. In some arrangements this may include data correspondingto transport costs between pairs of repositories included in the systembetween which parcels may be transported. In other exemplaryarrangements the transport base values may correspond to transportbetween pairs of immediately adjacent repositories that are included inthe system. In exemplary arrangements the transport base values may beused to make a calculation of a value that corresponds to a relativeparcel transport cost either from the cost values alone or such valuesin combination with other values or functions. For example in certaincalculations functions may take into consideration additional factorssuch as the weight or volume of one or more parcels, the need forspecial handling of parcels, such as the need for refrigeration, securetransport or other factors that have a bearing on cost. Also factorsconsidered in relative cost calculations may include the need to providepriority handling for certain parcels, the need for using bonded itemcarriers to transport certain parcels, or other requirements that havean impact on the cost of transport and need to be included when making acalculation of the cost of transport of certain parcels between selectedrepositories. In other exemplary arrangements other factors that may beused in making relative parcel transport cost calculations includeparcel quantity reduction values, which may be representative of reducedcosts that result from economies of scale or other factors. Such parcelquantity reduction values may include values that cause the relativecalculated cost of transport of a parcel between repositories to bereduced as a function of the number of other parcels with which a givenparcel may be transported as part of a bundle.

Numerous different approaches may be used in exemplary arrangements fordeveloping the stored transport base values that can be used forpurposes of calculation of the relative cost to transport parcelsbetween repositories.

FIGS. 61 through 68 represent graphically, stored data included in databearing records that correspond to transport base values that are usedin an exemplary arrangement for purposes of calculating the relativecost of parcel transport between selected repositories. As representedin these Figures the dots or circles labeled A through BB representparcel repositories of the type previously discussed. In exemplaryarrangements the parcel repositories include multiple separatedcompartments that are individually controlled by respective doors andlocks so as to provide selective compartment access to item handlers. Asrepresented schematically in these Figures, transport base valuesbetween immediately adjacent repositories between which parcels aremoved in the system are represented in association with lines whichconnect the repositories between which parcels may be transported. Ascan be appreciated in some arrangements parcels are enabled to betransported between immediately adjacent repositories. However, in somearrangements for purposes of calculation of relative parcel transportcost using the transport base values, not every repository will have anassociated transport base value between every other immediately adjacentrepository. This may be indicative of certain factors which preventdirect transport. This may include geographic features such as rivers orlakes that prevent direct transport. Other considerations in notincluding transport base values between repositories that areimmediately geographically adjacent may include lack of direct highwayaccess or other barriers to direct transport. In other arrangementscertain direct transport base values between certain repositories arenot included in the stored data records for other reasons. Sucharrangements may be utilized to assure that calculations using transportbase values that are made in a manner like that later discussed, moreaccurately represent the relative expected cost of transport betweenselected repositories. Of course it should be understood that thisapproach is exemplary and in other arrangements other approaches may beused.

Further in exemplary arrangements the at least one data store inoperative connection with the central system circuitry may include datacorresponding to at least one parcel handling base value. In exemplaryarrangements the at least one parcel handling base value corresponds toa cost associated with at least one of placing a parcel in a repositoryand removing a parcel from a repository for further transport. As can beappreciated from the prior discussion, for purposes of calculatingrelative transport costs the requirements to pay item carriers to pickup one or more parcels at a repository, transport and deliver theparcels to another repository has an associated cost. This may be forexample, an increased cost that arises in situations where more than onecarrier has to be paid in connection with transporting a parcel from theinitial repository in which it is received and the final destinationrepository from which it is subsequently delivered to its final deliveryaddress. In some exemplary arrangements the stored data corresponding tothe at least one parcel handling base value may be the same for some orall of the repositories that are included in the system. Alternativelyin some arrangements, different parcel repositories may have differentassociated parcel handling base values. This may be due to the fact thatthe item handlers that transport parcels to and from these repositoriescost more than other item handlers to make pickups and deliveries. Otherfactors that may be included might include the need for persons whotravel to and access such repositories to incur tolls, parking costs orother expenses in connection with making pickups from and deliveries tosuch repositories. In exemplary arrangements the at least one data storemay include data corresponding to a parcel handling base value stored inassociated relation with respective repositories that are based on theseparticular costs or other factors that are specific to the repository orits location. Of course these approaches are exemplary and in otherarrangements other approaches may be used.

Further in exemplary arrangements the at least one data store inoperative connection with the central system circuitry includes othertypes of data. This may include for example, the types of data that havebeen previously discussed in connection with the other exemplaryarrangements. In some exemplary arrangements the at least one data storemay include data corresponding to at least one parcel bundle quantityreduction value. Such a value may correspond to one or more factors thatare used in parcel relative cost of transport calculations to accountfor economies of scale that result from transporting a parcel with anumber of other parcels. Such parcel bundle quantity reduction valuesmay be applied so that the calculated relative cost of transport for aparcel may be reduced based on a larger number of other parcels includedin the bundle in which the parcel is being transported. Further the atleast one data store may include data related to outgoing bundles ofparcels that are being accumulated in a respective repository. Aspreviously discussed, in exemplary system arrangements a bundle ofparcels may include at least one parcel that is designated or planned bythe central system circuitry to be transported from the repository inwhich is currently located, to a bundle destination repository.Generally bundles include a plurality of included bundle parcels whichhave been determined by the central system circuitry as appropriate tobe transported together from the repository in which they are currentlylocated to a bundle destination repository to facilitate transporttoward each respective parcel's final destination repository.

In the exemplary arrangement the at least one data store in operativeconnection with the central system circuitry includes records regardingbundles such as record 826 which is schematically represented in FIG. 60. In the exemplary arrangement the data related to each bundle includesa bundle identifier which identifies the particular outgoing bundle. Theexemplary bundle record further includes data corresponding to theparticular repository in which the bundle is currently located. Datacorresponding to the particular compartment (or in some situationsmultiple compartments when the bundle parcels are positioned in morethan one compartment) is stored in the bundle record. The compartmentidentifier identifies the particular compartment or compartments withinthe repository in which the bundle is located. The exemplary bundlerecord further includes data corresponding to the particular bundleparcels that are included in the bundle. In exemplary arrangements thedata regarding the parcels include the parcel identifiers that uniquelyidentify a particular parcel in the system. Data corresponding to thebundle destination repository to which the bundle is going to betransported is also included in the exemplary bundle record. Of courseit should be appreciated that these values are exemplary and in otherarrangements different or additional types of data may be included inthe bundle records.

In the exemplary arrangements the at least one data store associatedwith the central system circuitry includes other types of data. In someexemplary arrangements the at least one data store may include datacorresponding to one or more bundle redirection values. In someexemplary arrangements such bundle redirection values may be utilized bythe central system circuitry for purposes of making determinations thatan outgoing parcel bundle from a repository that is currently designatedfor transport to a bundle destination repository, would have the bundleparcels included therein more efficiently delivered by having the parcelbundle routed to a different destination repository. Other types ofexemplary data may include at least one bundle transport thresholdvalue. In exemplary arrangements the at least one bundle transportthreshold value corresponds to the properties of a bundle which aredesignated as indicative that the bundle meets criteria which requirethat it be transported from the repository in which is currently locatedto the bundle destination repository. In some exemplary arrangements theat least one bundle transport threshold value may correspond to aparticular quantity of parcels that are included in the bundle. Such avalue may be utilized when the system operator determines that itemhandlers who transports parcels can normally handle only a thresholdnumber of parcels at one time. Alternatively or in addition, the atleast one bundle transport threshold value may be set at a particulartime to assure that bundle parcels are not located in a particularrepository for an excessive period of time without moving towards theirfinal delivery addresses.

In other exemplary arrangements the data corresponding to the at leastone bundle parcel threshold value may include data corresponding toother parcel or bundle features. For example in some arrangements the atleast one bundle parcel threshold value may correspond in whole or inpart to a cumulative weight or cumulative volume of parcels included ina bundle. Such factors may be considered in setting the bundle transportthreshold value to assure that an item carrier has the physicalcapability and/or available space for purposes of transporting thebundle in a normal item carrier vehicle. Alternatively in otherexemplary arrangements, the bundle transport threshold value may bebased at least in part on values for parcels included in parcel bundles.For example in some exemplary arrangements the entity shipping a parcelmay declare a value for a parcel that the shipper is entitled to be paidin the event of parcel damage or loss. The operator of the system maynot want more than a set shipper declared loss value of parcels to beincluded in any one bundle for purposes of transport so that if all theitems in the bundle are lost or destroyed, the loss is within theinsurance limits of the system operator. Alternatively or in addition,in some exemplary arrangements the at least one bundle transportthreshold value may be based at least in part on the cumulative shipperdeclared loss values of parcels that are resident in a particularrepository. In some arrangements the central system circuitry mayoperate in accordance with its circuit executable instructions to keepthe cumulative declared loss value of parcels that are located in aparticular repository below a threshold limit in order to assure that ifthe repository is compromised the loss will not exceed the insurancelimits of the system operator. Of course these approaches are exemplaryand in other arrangements other approaches and factors may be used.

In exemplary arrangements the at least one data store may also includedata that is utilized for purposes of determining when bundles aretransported. Such data may include for example, data that corresponds toa parcel final delivery time associated with each parcel identifier. Inexemplary arrangements the parcel final delivery time may correspond toa time by which the respective parcel is required to be delivered at itsrespective final delivery address. In some exemplary arrangements thedata corresponding to parcel final delivery times associated withrespective parcel identifiers may correspond to a particular time bywhich the parcel needs to arrive at its final delivery destination. Inother exemplary arrangements the parcel final delivery time associatedwith the parcel identifier may correspond to a remaining time value bywhich the parcel must arrive at its final delivery destination. Suchparcel final delivery time values may be continuously or periodicallycalculated based on the clock function in operative connection with thecentral system circuitry, so that the remaining available time fordelivery of each particular parcel is determinable by the central systemcircuitry. Such values may be important to make sure that parcels aredelivered in time to satisfy the service level agreements or othercommitments that are made by the operator of the system to deliver theparcels in a timely manner.

In exemplary arrangements the at least one data store in operativeconnection with the central system circuitry further includes recordsincluding data corresponding to at least one remaining time thresholdvalue. The at least one remaining time threshold value corresponds toand/or is usable for purposes of determining when a particular parcelshould move towards its final delivery destination in order to bedelivered by or within the applicable parcel final delivery time. Insome exemplary arrangements the at least one remaining time thresholdvalue may be a set value that is based on a time difference between acurrent time and the parcel final delivery time of the particularparcel. Alternatively or in addition, the remaining time threshold valuemay be a calculated value that is determined based on a current parcellocation or a distance of the particular parcel from its parcel finaldelivery address, and the associated parcel final delivery time data forthe particular parcel. Of course it should be understood that theseapproaches and stored values are exemplary and in other arrangementsother types of data may be utilized for determining the criteria formoving a parcel toward its final delivery address.

The logic carried out in an exemplary arrangement by central systemcircuitry to determine a suitable approach for the bundling of parcelstogether for transport between repositories is represented in FIGS. 52through 59 . It should be understood that the logic flow is described ata high level and exemplary arrangements may include additional ordifferent steps for purposes of making bundling determinations. Theexemplary logic flow represented is related to determining the inclusionof a parcel that is an incoming parcel to a receiving repository, into abundle into which the parcel will be included for further transport toanother repository. The exemplary logic flow is carried out inconnection with parcels that will be received into the receivingrepository, and then transported from the receiving repository as partof the bundle to another repository which is the bundle destinationrepository of the particular bundle. The exemplary logic represented inFIGS. 52-59 is not utilized in connection with incoming parcels to afinal destination repository from which the parcel is going to betransported by an item carrier to its final delivery address.

In the exemplary arrangement the central system circuitry is inoperative connection with at least one input device that is associatedwith the receiving repository, that is in a ready state to receive aparcel as represented by a step 828. At least one input device that isin operative connection with the receiving repository is enabled toreceive data corresponding to a parcel identifier associated with anincoming parcel to the repository as represented by a step 830. In someexemplary arrangements the data corresponding to the incoming parcelidentifier may include data that is received wirelessly by an inputdevice such as a wireless transceiver, which is alternatively referredto herein as a wireless portal, that is associated with the receivingrepository. For example in some arrangements the data may be receivedfrom a portable wireless device such as a smart phone of an item handlerthat includes a camera that is operative to read the barcode or othermachine-readable indicia on a parcel that has been transported to thereceiving repository by the item handler. Alternatively in somearrangements the parcel identifier for the incoming parcel may be readby an input device which may include a reading device such as a camerathat is permanently associated with the receiving repository. Otherinput devices such as those previously discussed as being in operativeconnection with parcel repositories may be used in other arrangementsfor receiving the parcel identifier associated with the particularincoming parcel.

In the exemplary arrangement the central system circuitry is alsooperative to receive data corresponding to the receiving repository atwhich the incoming parcel is being presented. This is represented bystep 832. In some exemplary arrangements the circuitry associated withthe repository and that is in operative connection with the wirelessportal that receives wirelessly the parcel identifier, may operate inaccordance with its circuit executable instructions to send data thatidentifies the receiving repository as well as the parcel identifier inone or more messages that are communicated with the central systemcircuitry. In some exemplary arrangements one or more messages may becommunicated between the repository circuitry and the central systemcircuitry through one or more wireless networks or other suitablecommunications networks. Of course it should be understood that theseapproaches are exemplary and in other arrangements other approaches maybe used to communicate to the central circuitry the data correspondingto the parcel identifier and the receiving repository at which theincoming parcel is being presented for acceptance into the repository.

As represented by step 834 the central system circuitry is thenoperative to determine the parcel destination repository for theincoming parcel. In exemplary arrangements the central system circuitryis operative to utilize the record data corresponding to the finalparcel delivery address that is associated with the parcel identifier inthe at least one data store. The central system circuitry furtheroperates using the data regarding the geographic data that correspondsto the catchment areas to determine a catchment area in which the finaldelivery address is located. Responsive at least in part to determiningthe catchment area which includes the final delivery address for theparcel, the central system circuitry then determines the repository thatis associated with the determined catchment area. Of course thisapproach is exemplary and in other arrangements other approaches may beused.

After the central system circuitry has determined the parcel destinationrepository for the incoming parcel, the central system circuitry isoperative responsive to the stored bundle data records to identify anycurrent outgoing parcel bundles located in the receiving repository.This is represented by step 836. As represented by step 838 the centralsystem circuitry then operates to make a determination concerningwhether one or more outgoing bundles are currently located in thereceiving repository. If it is determined that there are no currentoutgoing bundles in the receiving repository, the central systemcircuitry acts in a manner that is later discussed to start a newoutgoing bundle that initially includes only the incoming parcel.

If it is determined in step 838 that there is at least one outgoingbundle currently located in the receiving repository, the central systemcircuitry is then operative to determine the bundle destinationrepository associated with each of the current outgoing bundles. Thebundle destination of each outgoing bundle is compared with the incomingparcel destination repository of the incoming parcel. This isrepresented by a step 840. A determination is then made as representedby step 842, concerning whether a bundle destination repository of thecurrently resident bundle in the receiving repository is the samerepository as the destination repository of the incoming parcel. If suchan existing outgoing bundle currently exists in the receivingrepository, the central system circuitry then operates in accordancewith its circuit executable instructions to make a determination thatthe particular bundle with the same bundle destination repository as thefinal destination repository for the incoming parcel is the lowest costbundle for purposes of transporting the incoming parcel. This isrepresented by a step 844.

The calculations that are carried out by the central system circuitry ina situation where an incoming parcel has a destination repository thatcorresponds to an existing bundle located in the receiving repository isrepresented in FIG. 61 . In this example the receiving repository isdesignated by the letter F and the bundle destination repository isrepresented by the letter O. As represented by the solid line arrow, thebundle including the incoming parcel will be transported with theexisting parcel bundle directly between repositories F and O. Thecorresponding transport base value which is usable by the central systemcircuitry to determine data corresponding to a relative transport costof the incoming parcel between those repositories is indicated by thevalue “8” that is associated with the solid line with the adjacent dashline between the repositories. In this situation the calculated cost oftransport value corresponding to transport of a parcel between therepositories F and O corresponds to the indicated relative transportcost value “8.” As can be appreciated, this cost of transport value islower than the cumulative sum of the transport cost values that would beassociated with transporting the incoming parcel to a differentrepository other than repository O, and then transporting the parcel tothe incoming parcel destination repository F.

In an exemplary arrangement if it is determined in step 842 that thereis no existing outgoing bundle that has a bundle destination repositorythat corresponds to the incoming parcel destination repository, thecentral system circuitry then operates as represented by a step 843 todetermine the parcel destination repository for each of the plurality ofbundle parcels included in each of the outgoing parcel bundles. This isrepresented by step 843. The determination of the final destinationrepositories of the parcels that are included in the outgoing parcelbundles may be determined different ways. For example, in somearrangements the central system circuitry may determine the finaldestination repository for each bundle parcel based on the respectiveparcel identifier associated with the parcel and the associated finaldelivery address of the parcel. Alternatively in some arrangements thedata corresponding to the respective parcel destination repository for abundle parcel may be included in the bundle record such as record 826previously discussed. The parcel destination repository for eachrespective bundle parcel may be included in the bundle record of someexemplary arrangements because the destination repository for eachparcel is determined prior to the time that the parcel is placed in therepository, and used for purposes of making the determination of theparticular bundle in which the parcel will be included. Of course otherapproaches to determining the respective destination repository for eachof the bundle parcels may be used.

As represented in a step 845 the central system circuitry is thenoperative to compare the parcel destination repository for the incomingparcel and the destination repository of each respective bundle parcelthat is included in each outgoing bundle. A determination is then madeas represented by step 847, whether the destination repository of abundle parcel currently in the repository corresponds to the incomingparcel destination repository. If so the central system circuitry thenoperates as represented by step 849 to determine the bundle identifierthat is associated with the outgoing bundle in which the bundle parcelwith the same final destination repository is included.

After determining the particular bundle in which the bundle parcel thathas the same final destination repository as the incoming parceldestination repository, the central system circuitry is then operativeas represented in a step 851 to cause the determined bundle identifierto be designated as the determined lowest cost bundle for transport ofthe incoming parcel to the incoming parcel destination repository. Theexemplary central system circuitry operates in this manner so thatparcels which have a common final destination repository are accumulatedin a single outgoing parcel bundle. The collection of the plurality ofbundle parcels which have the same final destination repository togetherin the same outgoing bundle provides for more efficient transport ofthose parcels toward their common final destination repository.

Further in some exemplary arrangements, after the central systemcircuitry has operated to make a determination that an incoming parcelis to be included in a selected bundle for transport based on theexisting outgoing bundle having at least one prior bundle parcel havingthe same destination repository, an evaluation may be carried out inaccordance with circuit executable instructions to determine if thebundle destination repository for the outgoing bundle should be changed.This may be accomplished in exemplary arrangements by the central systemcircuitry using stored data corresponding to bundle redirection valuesand other data to evaluate whether the current group of parcels includedin the selected bundle would be handled more cost and/or timeefficiently by changing the bundle destination repository to which theoutgoing bundle is to be directed. For example, if the addition of theincoming parcel to the selected bundle will result in the selectedbundle having a quantity of bundle parcels that have a common finaldestination repository, that is greater by a stored bundle redirectionvalue than the quantity of bundle parcels in the selected bundle thathave a final destination repository of the current bundle destination,the central system circuitry may operate to change the bundle record forthe selected bundle to correspond to the final destination repositorythat corresponds to the greater number of parcels in the outgoingbundle. In other exemplary arrangements other factors such as the changein the cost of parcel transport for other bundle parcels, time ofdelivery requirements and other factors may be evaluated by the centralsystem circuitry in making a determination to change the bundledestination repository. Of course this approach is exemplary and inother arrangements other types of analysis and bundle parcel redirectionvalue data may be utilized in making the determination on whether thebundle destination repository should be changed.

If the central system circuitry determines that no outgoing bundle inthe receiving repository has a bundle destination repository that is thesame as the destination repository for the incoming parcel, and that noexisting outgoing bundle has a bundle parcel that corresponds to thefinal destination repository of the incoming parcel, the exemplarycentral system circuitry then operates to determine data correspondingto a cost of transport value that would be associated with transportingthe incoming parcel with at least some of the outgoing parcel bundlesthat are located in the receiving repository. In an exemplaryarrangement this is done by the central system circuitry selecting datacorresponding to an initial bundle for analysis as represented by a step846.

In the exemplary arrangement the central system circuitry operates inaccordance with its stored circuit executable instructions and recorddata to determine a lowest base path between the receiving repositoryinto which the incoming parcel will be placed, and the bundledestination repository which is the destination of the bundle that hasbeen selected for analysis in step 846. This is represented by a step848. In the exemplary arrangement the lowest base path is defined to bea path between the receiving repository and the bundle destinationrepository through successive immediately adjacent intermediaterepositories which produces the lowest cumulative total of associatedtransport base values. In the exemplary arrangement the lowest base pathwill generally correspond to a lowest cost path for parcel transport.This is represented graphically in FIG. 62 in which the repositorydesignated M is the receiving repository and the repository designated Uis the bundle destination repository. The repository designated D is theincoming parcel destination repository. In the exemplary arrangement thelowest base bundle destination repository path extends between therespective receiving repository and the respective bundle destinationrepository for the respective bundle, and also extends through eachsuccessive immediately adjacent intermediate repository between thereceiving repository and the respective bundle destination repository.As graphically represented in FIG. 62 the lowest base bundle destinationrepository path is represented by the dash lines adjacent to the solidlines which extend directly between the repositories intermediate ofrepositories M and U. In the exemplary arrangement the central systemcircuitry determines the path indicated by the dash lines is the lowestbase path as the total of the stored transport base values is “26” whichis lower than the cumulative total of the transport base values throughany other set of immediately adjacent intermediate repositories.

Of course it should be understood that in the exemplary arrangement ifthe incoming parcel were transported between repositories M and U, theparcel would not be positioned in any of the intermediate repositoriesalong the path (O, Q and V). Rather the parcel would move directlybetween the receiving repository and the bundle destination repository.In the exemplary arrangement the lowest base path is determined forpurposes of providing a basis for determination of the respectivetransport base values which are used as an indicator of relativetransport costs for parcel transport between the pair of repositories,namely the receiving repository and the bundle destination repository.

The central system circuitry then operates as represented by a step 850to determine a relative cost value for the transport of the incomingparcel between the receiving repository and the bundle destinationrepository based on the transport base values associated with the lowestbase bundle destination repository path. This corresponds in theexemplary arrangement to a cumulative total sum of the transport basevalues between each of the repositories along the most direct bundledestination repository path. In the example represented in FIG. 62 ,this determined relative transport cost corresponds to the cumulativetotal sum of the values between the repositories along the lowest basebundle destination repository path which is “26.”

In some exemplary arrangements the calculations carried out by thecentral system circuitry in step 850 may also include a determination ofthe relative cost of transport of the incoming parcel based oncalculations that consider the economies of scale that are achieved whenthe incoming parcel is transported as part of a bundle with one or moreother parcels. In the exemplary arrangement the central system circuitryis operative to use the stored data corresponding to the at least oneparcel bundle quantity reduction value in one or more calculations thatconsider the bundle quantity that is associated with the particularoutgoing bundle being evaluated. In some exemplary arrangements thebundle quantity may correspond to the number of bundle parcels that arecurrently included in the outgoing parcel bundle being evaluated. Inother exemplary arrangements the bundle quantity may includecalculations based on the number of parcels that would be included inthe outgoing bundle if the incoming parcel were included in the outgoingbundle. In still other arrangements other parameters such as weight,volume, declared value or other factors may be included in thecalculation of the data corresponding to the incoming parcel cost oftransport value. Of course these approaches are exemplary and otherarrangements other approaches may be used.

In some exemplary arrangements the central system circuitry is operativeto determine the data corresponding to the respective incoming parcelcost of transport value responsive at least in part to the datacorresponding to the at least one stored parcel bundle quantityreduction value and the data corresponding to the bundle quantity forthe respective outgoing bundle, in addition to the data corresponding tothe respective transport base values along the lowest base path betweenthe receiving repository and the bundle destination repository.

The central system circuitry is then operative as represented in FIG. 63to determine data that corresponds to a relative transport cost totransport the incoming parcel from the bundle destination repository Uto the destination repository associated with the incoming parcel,repository D. This is represented in the logic flow by a step 852. Tocalculate the data corresponding to the relative cost of transportbetween repositories U and D, the central system circuitry then operatesin accordance with its circuit executable instructions to determine thelowest base incoming parcel destination repository path between therepository U, to which the incoming parcel would be directed if includedin the parcel bundle currently being evaluated, and the incoming parceldestination repository D to which the incoming parcel will eventually bedirected for purposes of delivery to its final delivery address.

In the exemplary arrangement the determination of the lowest baseincoming parcel destination repository path by the central systemcircuitry includes determination of a path between the respective bundledestination repository U and the incoming parcel destination repositoryD. In this exemplary arrangement the lowest base path is defined as thepath that produces the lowest cumulative total sum of the transport basevalues between successive immediately adjacent intermediate repositoriesbetween the bundle destination repository and the incoming parceldestination repository. As represented by the dash line in FIG. 63 themost direct incoming parcel destination repository path extends throughsuccessive immediately adjacent intermediate repositories (S, P, N, K, Hand G). This determined lowest base incoming parcel destinationrepository path is determined by the central system circuitry based onthe cumulative sum of the transport base values along the path being“21.” This value is lower than the sum of the stored transport basevalues for than any other available transport path through intermediaterepositories between the repositories U and D.

In the exemplary arrangement the central system circuitry is thenoperated as represented in a step 854 to determine the datacorresponding to the transport base values that corresponds to thetransport of the parcel between each of the repositories along thelowest base incoming parcel destination repository path. As mentioned,these transport base values can be added together to obtain a relativecost of transport between depository U and depository D.

In some exemplary arrangements the calculation the relative cost oftransport calculation carried out in step 854 may also includedetermination of bundle quantities and application of the stored parcelbundle quantity reduction values to determine the relative cost oftransport of the incoming parcel from the respective bundle destinationrepository to the incoming parcel destination repository. This may bedone in situations where the central system circuitry is configured tooperate to consider the current outgoing bundles and respective bundlequantities that are present in the bundle destination repository. Suchcalculations may be conducted based on the bundle parcels that arecurrently located in the bundle destination repository at the time ofthe calculation, as well as additional parcels that are currentlydesignated to be incoming parcels to the bundle destination repositoryand which will be included in the respective outgoing bundles from thebundle destination repository. Of course in other arrangements thequantity of bundle parcels that will be present in outgoing bundles fromthe bundle destination repository at the time of making the calculationof the relative cost of transport of the incoming parcel from the bundledestination repository to its incoming parcel destination repository maynot be reliably calculated. This may be due to delivery time factorsapplicable to bundle parcels in the bundle destination repository,changes in incoming and outgoing bundle parcels from the bundledestination repository that occur before the incoming parcel wouldarrive, and other parameters which may cause the bundle parcels inoutgoing bundles that are present in the bundle destination repositoryto change before the incoming parcel would arrive at the bundledestination repository. As a result the central system circuitry may beoperative to not make calculations based on reductions in cost oftransport from the bundle destination repository to the incoming parcelfinal destination repository. Alternatively in some arrangements thecentral system circuitry may make calculations that estimate probablebundle quantities that will be outgoing from the bundle destinationrepository based on stored historical data and may apply stored datarelated to the one or more parcel bundle quantity reduction values toproduce the estimated bundle cost of transport values for the incomingparcel from the bundle destination repository to the incoming parceldestination repository. Of course it should be understood that theseapproaches are exemplary and other arrangements other approaches may beused.

Further it should be appreciated that while in the exemplary arrangementthe central system circuitry is operative to carry out calculations thatare operative to decrease the relative cost of transport valuescalculated based on increased actual or projected bundle quantities, inother arrangements other approaches may be used. These may includeincreasing the estimated cost of transport values based on actual bundlequantities and/or projected bundle quantities not being at certainstored threshold values. Thus the central system circuitry may operateto utilize certain transport base value costs between repositories thatare subject to being increased in making specific parcel transportcalculations in situations where the incoming parcel transport costcalculations indicate that the incoming parcel will be transported withless than a threshold number of other parcels to a subsequentrepository. It should be understood that in some arrangements the datacorresponding to parcel bundle quantity reduction values may operate asfactors which cause escalation of base transport values or other valuesin the relative cost of transport calculations. Of course theseapproaches are exemplary and in other arrangements other approaches maybe used.

The exemplary central system circuitry then operates in accordance withits circuit executable instructions to determine the stored datacorresponding to a parcel handling cost. This is represented by a step856. In the exemplary arrangement stored parcel handling base valuescorrespond to data that has been determined as associated with at leastone cost that is incurred by the system operator in connection with atleast one of placing a parcel in or removing a parcel from theintermediate repository into which the incoming parcel will be placedand subsequently removed for transport if the parcel is moved with thebundle being analyzed. In the example represented in FIGS. 62 and 63there is data corresponding to an associated parcel handling base valueassociated with the repository U. As previously mentioned the parcelhandling base value may correspond to a set handling cost value that isassociated with each repository in the system. Alternatively in otherarrangements the parcel handling base values may be different values fordifferent repositories based on different associated costs. Of coursethese approaches are exemplary and in other arrangements otherapproaches may be used.

In the exemplary logic flow the central system circuitry is thenoperative to calculate a cumulative total sum of the transport basevalues and the parcel handling base value associated with the transportthat would occur if the incoming parcel is moved with the bundle beinganalyzed. In the example these would be a calculated relative cost oftransport value that corresponds to the cumulative sum of the transportbase values associated with the lowest base bundle destinationrepository path from receiving repository M to bundle destinationrepository U, and then the cumulative sum of the transport base valuesassociated with the lowest base incoming parcel destination repositorypath from the bundle destination repository U to the incoming parceldestination repository D. As previously discussed in some arrangementsthe central system circuitry may operate to adjust the transport basevalues and/or cumulative sum of the transport base values, based onbundle quantity data and at least one stored bundle parcel quantityreduction value. In some arrangements such calculated reductions thataccount for economies of scale may be applied in the cost calculationsfrom the receiving repository to the bundle destination repository only,or may be applied in a manner like that previously discussed to both therelative cost of transport between the receiving repository and thebundle destination repository, as well as from the bundle destinationrepository to the incoming parcel destination repository. Additionallythe parcel handling base value associated with placing the incomingparcel into the repository U and/or removing it from that repository forfurther transport would be added to the cumulative sum of both sets oftransport base values to calculate data corresponding to the relativecost of transport value associated with including the incoming parcelwith the outgoing bundle to the bundle destination repository U. Thisdata corresponding to the relative cost of transport value is calculatedand stored in correlated relation with respective bundle identifyingdata in the at least one record in the at least one data store asrepresented by step 858.

The central system circuitry then operates as represented by a step 860to make a determination concerning whether all the outgoing parcelbundles that are currently located in the receiving repository have beenevaluated for purposes of determining the relative cost of transportingthe incoming parcel with the respective bundle. If it is determined instep 860 that all the bundles have not yet been evaluated, the logicoperates to select another one of the outgoing parcel bundles for whichrelative transport cost data has not yet been determined. The process isthen repeated in a like manner for the other parcel bundles.

FIGS. 64 and 65 graphically represent the steps carried out by thecentral system circuitry in connection with the calculation of therelative cost of transport value for transporting the incoming parcelwith another outgoing parcel bundle in the receiving repository M. Inthe example represented in these Figures the relative cost oftransporting the incoming parcel is calculated in connection with abundle that has a bundle destination repository I. In this example thelowest base bundle destination repository path is calculated between thereceiving repository M and the bundle destination repository I asrepresented in FIG. 64 . The central system circuitry would then operateto determine the respective transport base values that corresponds totransport between each of the repositories along the lowest base bundledestination repository path. Further in some exemplary arrangementscalculations including the respective bundle quantity of parcel bundlesin the respective outgoing bundle from repository M to repository I, andthe stored data corresponding to the at least one parcel bundle quantityreduction value may be included as factors in the relative transportcost calculation.

The central system circuitry is then operative to determine the lowestbase incoming parcel destination repository path between the bundledestination repository I and the incoming parcel destination repositoryD. This is graphically represented in FIG. 65 . The central systemcircuitry then operates in a manner like that previously discussed todetermine the respective transport base values that corresponds totransport between each of the repositories along the lowest baseincoming parcel destination repository path. Further in some exemplaryarrangements the transport base values and/or the sum thereof may beadjusted by the central system circuitry through calculations thatconsider the projected parcel bundle quantity and the stored at leastone parcel bundle quantity reduction value. Further in this example thecentral system circuitry is operative to include in the calculation ofthe relative cost of transport, data corresponding to relative parceltransport cost, the at least one parcel handling base value associatedwith moving the incoming parcel into and/or out of the bundledestination repository I. In the exemplary arrangement the determinedvalues corresponding to transport base values and the parcel handlingbase value would be summed and the cost of transport value stored in atleast one record for the transport of the incoming parcel with theoutgoing bundle having the bundle destination repository I in a step858.

FIGS. 66 and 67 graphically represent the relative transport costcalculation that is associated with transporting the incoming parcelwhich has a parcel destination repository D in connection with a bundlein the receiving repository that has a bundle destination repository AA.Again in this situation the central system circuitry operates inaccordance with its circuit executable instructions to determine thelowest base bundle destination repository path between the receivingrepository M and the bundle destination repository AA of the bundlebeing evaluated. The central system circuitry then determines therespective transport base values that corresponds to transport alongthis lowest base bundle destination repository path. Further in someexemplary arrangements calculations of the relative cost of transportmay be further based on determined bundle quantity data and stored atleast one parcel bundle quantity reduction values. This is representedin FIG. 66 .

As represented in FIG. 67 the central system circuitry then determinesthe lowest base incoming parcel destination repository path from thebundle destination repository AA, to the incoming parcel destinationrepository D. The respective transport base values that correspond totransport between each of the repositories along the lowest baseincoming parcel destination repository path are determined. In somearrangements the transport base values and/or the sum thereof may beadjusted based on projected bundle quantity data and stored parcelbundle quantity reduction values. The at least one parcel handling basevalue associated with handling the parcel at repository AA is alsoincluded in the exemplary relative cost of transport value calculation.The calculated relative cost of transport value data based on thedetermined transport base values and parcel handling base value for thebundle having the bundle destination repository AA would also be storedin at least one record in the at least one data store in correlatedrelation with data corresponding to the bundle as represented by step858. As can be appreciated this process would be repeated until all ofthe existing bundles in the receiving repository have been evaluated inthis manner and the corresponding determined relative cost of transportvalues associated with transporting the incoming parcel with each of theexisting outgoing bundles have been stored in at least one record in theat least one data store.

It should be mentioned that in some exemplary arrangements it may not benecessary for the central system circuitry to calculate a cost oftransport value for every one of the outgoing bundles. In somearrangements the central system circuitry may do a partial calculationassociated with a respective parcel bundle, and determine at an interimstep that the associated cost is already higher than a previouslyevaluated bundle for which the cost of transport value has already beencalculated. The central system circuitry may rule out the bundle fromconsideration at this interim stage, without fully completing therelative cost of transport value calculation. If course this approach isexemplary and in other arrangements other approaches may be used.

Once it is determined in step 860 that all of the existing outgoingbundles have been evaluated, the exemplary central system circuitry isthen operative to determine data corresponding to a relative cost oftransport value associated with transporting the incoming parceldirectly from the receiving repository to the incoming parceldestination repository. This calculation is graphically represented inFIG. 68 . As represented in the logic flow by a step 862 the centralsystem circuitry operates in accordance with its circuit executableinstructions to determine the lowest base incoming parcel destinationrepository path between the receiving repository M and the incomingparcel destination repository D. In this exemplary arrangement thecentral system circuitry may be operative to determine the lowest basepath based on the lowest cumulative total of the transport base valuesfrom the respective receiving repository and incoming parcel destinationrepository and between each successive immediately adjacent intermediaterepository along the determined lowest base path.

In this exemplary arrangement the central system circuitry is operativeto determine the respective transport base values that correspond totransport between each of the repositories along the lowest baseincoming parcel destination repository path. This is represented in thelogic flow by a step 864. It should be mentioned that although thelowest base path graphically represented in FIG. 68 includesintermediate repositories F, A, and B, another alternative lowest basepath also produces the same cumulative total sum of transport basevalues (the path through intermediate repositories L, I, H, and G). Ofcourse as can be appreciated, when the lowest base path corresponds totwo or more different paths, they may be equivalent in the relative costcalculation of some exemplary arrangements, and in such cases it may notmatter which of the paths is selected for purposes of the calculation.In alternative exemplary arrangements where the respective bundlequantity data for the bundle in which the incoming parcel would betransported and stored bundle parcel quantity reduction value data isconsidered, the otherwise equivalent lowest base paths may producedifferent relative cost of transport values. In such circumstances thecentral system circuitry may be operative to calculate the relative costof transport values for each path in a manner like that previouslydiscussed and select the lowest base path as the one that produces thelowest relative transport cost due to bundle parcel quantities or otherparameters being considered in the calculations. Of course this approachis exemplary and in other arrangements other approaches may be used.

In the exemplary arrangement the logic flow then proceeds as representedby a step 866 to calculate the cost of transport value associated withthe relative cost of parcel transport directly between the receivingrepository M and the incoming parcel destination repository D. Inexemplary arrangements the relative cost associated with parceltransport between the pair of repositories is again calculated as afunction which is the sum of the plurality of the transport base valuesbetween repositories along with the lowest base path. It should be notedthat in calculating the values corresponding to the relative cost ofdirect transport, no value corresponding to a parcel handling base valueneeds to be included in the calculation. This is because the incomingparcel does not have to be placed in and removed from any intermediaterepository to reach its respective final destination repository. Ofcourse as previously discussed the bundle quantity associated with thenumber of bundle parcels included in the direct transport of theincoming parcel may be considered in the calculations by the centralsystem circuitry along with the at least one bundle parcel quantityreduction value that is stored in the at least one data store. Furtheras represented by step 866 the calculated cost of transport valuecorresponding to relative transport cost directly between the repositoryM in the repository D is stored in records included in the at least onedata store along with the records regarding calculated relativetransport cost values associated with the outgoing parcel bundles.

As can be appreciated in some exemplary arrangements it may besufficient for purposes of system operation to utilize only relativecost values that are determined based on the transport base valuesbetween adjacent repositories along a lowest base transport path (plusthe determined parcel handling base value if applicable) for purposes ofcalculating a relative cost for transporting the parcel between selectedrepositories. In the exemplary arrangement it is not necessary tocalculate an actual cost of transporting the parcel for purposes ofmaking a bundling determination. This is because in making a bundlingdetermination it may be sufficient to calculate and evaluate only therelative costs of transporting an incoming parcel in a manner that willbe necessary if the parcel is transported with a respective outgoingbundle to the respective bundle destination repository and then to itsrespective final destination repository. Of course in some arrangementsthe relative transport cost may be determined based on actual orestimated bundle quantities as well as weight, volume, declared valuesor other factors. Of course the approach described is exemplary and inother arrangements actual cost values may be calculated and used formaking bundling determination.

In the exemplary arrangement after the cost of transport values havebeen calculated that correspond to the relative cost of transport of theincoming parcel with each appropriate outgoing bundle in the receivingrepository, as well as the calculated relative cost value associatedwith direct transport of the parcel from the receiving repository to theincoming parcel destination repository, the central system circuitryoperates as represented in a step 868 to determine the lowest relativecost value. As can be appreciated the determination of the lowestrelative cost of transport value corresponds to a path that can be usedfor transport of the currently incoming parcel to the receivingrepository, that will cause the system operator to incur the lowestparcel transport cost to have the incoming parcel reach itscorresponding destination repository. Of course as previously discussedthe lowest relative cost of transport value may have been previouslydetermined as associated with an outgoing bundle that has the samebundle destination repository as the final destination repository of theincoming parcel, or on the basis that an outgoing bundle has at leastone bundle parcel already included therein that has the same finaldestination repository as the incoming parcel. As can further beappreciated from the foregoing discussion, in some situations the lowestrelative cost of transport value may correspond to including theincoming parcel in a bundle such that the incoming parcel is transportedwith the bundle to the respective bundle destination repository. Inother situations the lowest cost value may correspond to transportingthe incoming parcel directly from the receiving repository to theincoming parcel destination repository, in which situation the centralsystem circuitry operates to cause the incoming parcel to be included ina new bundle which has the incoming parcel destination repository as thebundle destination repository.

Based on the determined lowest relative cost of transport value, thecentral system circuitry is then operative to determine the outgoingparcel bundle associated with the calculated lowest cost of transportvalue. This is represented by a step 870. In the exemplary arrangementwhen the lowest determined relative cost of transport value isassociated with an existing outgoing parcel bundle, the central systemcircuitry is operative responsive to the stored record data to identifythe data corresponding to the existing outgoing parcel bundle. Insituations where the lowest relative cost of transport value isassociated with starting a new outgoing parcel bundle that initiallywill include only the incoming parcel, the central system circuitry isoperative as later discussed, to generate a new parcel bundle recordthat includes the data corresponding to the incoming parcel, itsassociated parcel identifier, the receiving repository and the incomingparcel destination repository as the bundle destination repository. Ofcourse in other situations the selected parcel bundle may be based onthe prior determination by the central system circuitry that theexisting outgoing bundle has a bundle destination repository thatcorresponds to the incoming parcel destination repository, or that abundle includes a bundle parcel that has a final destination repositorythat is the same as the incoming parcel destination repository. Ofcourse this approach is exemplary and in other arrangements otherapproaches may be used.

As further represented by step 872, in situations where the lowestrelative cost of transport value is determined to be incurred by addingthe incoming parcel to an existing bundle, the central system circuitryfurther operates in accordance with its circuit executable instructionsto determine a compartment in which the incoming parcel may be placedfor purposes of transporting it as part of an existing outgoing bundle.In exemplary arrangements the central system circuitry may operateresponsive to the stored parcel bundle record data associated with theexisting selected bundle to determine a compartment in the receivingrepository in which the bundle parcels are currently positioned. Furtherin exemplary arrangements the central system circuitry may operate in amanner like that previously discussed to determine if there is asuitable volume available in the compartment in which the parcel bundlesof the designated outgoing parcel are currently located to receive theincoming parcel therein. In some exemplary arrangements where it isdetermined that insufficient space is available in the compartmenthousing the selected bundle to receive the additional incoming parcel,the central system circuitry may operate to identify an available emptycompartment in which to store the incoming parcel. The central systemcircuitry then operates to include the data corresponding to theincoming parcel and the additional parcel compartment in which theincoming parcel will be stored, in the selected bundle record.

In situations where the incoming parcel to the receiving repository isto be included in the new bundle that is started and which includes theincoming parcel, the central system circuitry is operative in accordancewith its circuit executable instructions to generate a new bundle recordcorresponding to a new bundle as represented by a step 900. In exemplaryarrangements the central system circuitry also operates to generate anew parcel bundle record in this manner in situations where there is anincoming parcel to the receiving repository, but there are no prioroutgoing parcel bundles. The exemplary system circuitry then operates todetermine a suitable empty compartment in the receiving repository inwhich to start the new outgoing parcel bundle. This is represented bystep 902. The data corresponding to the compartment for the new parcelbundle is stored in the new parcel bundle record that is generated andstored in the at least one data store.

After making the determination of the particular compartment in whichthe incoming parcel is to be stored, the central system circuitry thenoperates to cause the lock that controls the door to the selectedcompartment to be enabled to be changed from the locked condition to theunlocked condition. This is represented by a step 904. This may becarried out in a manner like that previously discussed in connectionwith the other described parcel repositories. The item handler is thenenabled to open the corresponding door and place the incoming parcelinto the compartment in the receiving repository. In the exemplaryarrangement the central system circuitry is then operated as representedby a step 906 to verify that the incoming parcel is in the repositorycompartment. This may be done through the use of sensors like thosepreviously discussed, that can detect the presence of the incomingparcel within the selected compartment. Alternatively or in addition thecentral system circuitry may receive data corresponding to inputsthrough input devices that are indicative that the parcel has beenplaced in the designated compartment. In some exemplary arrangementsthis may include receiving messages that are sent wirelessly from anitem handler's contact device that are indicative that the parcel hasbeen placed within the designated compartment. Further in exemplaryarrangements the central system circuitry and/or repository controlcircuitry may operate to assure that after placement of the parcel inthe designated compartment, the item handler closes the respectivecompartment door so that the clock is returned to the locked condition.The exemplary system circuitry then operates to cause the bundle recordto include the data regarding the inclusion of the incoming parcel inthe new parcel bundle. This is represented by step 908. Of course theseapproaches are exemplary and in other arrangements other arrangementsmay be used.

In exemplary arrangements in which the incoming parcel is to be added toan existing parcel bundle the central system circuitry operates todetermine the selected bundle to which the incoming parcel is to beadded as represented in step 870, and to determine the compartment orcompartments in the receiving repository in which the bundle parcels ofthe existing bundle are currently stored as represented in step 872. Thecentral system circuitry then operates in a manner like that previouslydescribed to unlock the particular compartment in which the incomingparcel is to be included. As previously discussed this may be done aftercarrying out circuit executable instructions to verify that there isavailable space in the compartment for the incoming parcel. The centralsystem circuitry then operates to cause the lock associated with thedoor for the compartment in which the incoming parcel is to be placed,to be enabled to be unlocked. This is represented by step 874. The itemhandler is then enabled to open the door of the respective compartmentand place the incoming parcel therein. The central system circuitry thenoperates in a manner like that previously discussed to verify that theincoming parcel has been placed within the designated compartment in thereceiving repository. This may be done through the receipt of signalsfrom sensors, input devices, cameras and/or inputs from the item handlercontact device. Of course it should be understood that these approachesare exemplary and other arrangements other approaches may be used.

After receiving the incoming parcel into the compartment of thereceiving repository, the central system circuitry is operative toupdate the record data corresponding to the respective bundle toindicate that the incoming parcel has been included as a parcel bundlein the respective bundle. This is represented by a step 878. Of courseit should be understood that once the incoming parcel has been includedwith an outgoing parcel bundle for transport, the item handler may haveadditional incoming parcels that will be received in the receivingrepository. The central system circuitry is operative in accordance withits circuit executable instructions to carry out determinations likethose previously described to determine the outgoing parcel bundles fromthe repository to which further incoming parcels will be added based onthe calculated relative transport costs to transport each incomingparcel to its respective incoming parcel destination repository.

As previously discussed, in some exemplary arrangements the at least onedata store in operative connection with the central system circuitryincludes record data corresponding to at least one bundle transportparcel threshold value. The at least one bundle transport parcelthreshold value corresponds to a magnitude of one or more parcelassociated parameters or values which is usable to determine when aparcel bundle has reached a designated number of parcels, weight,volume, or other properties which the system operator has determined isindicative that the bundle should be transported. In some exemplaryarrangements the bundle transport parcel threshold value may correspondto a particular number of parcels that may be included in a bundlebefore it is considered necessary to have an item handler transport thebundle. In the exemplary arrangement after a decision is made to includean incoming parcel to a receiving repository in a particular bundle, thecentral system circuitry operates as represented by step 882 todetermine if the plurality of parcels included in the bundle to which anincoming parcel has been added, has a predetermined relationship to thebundle transport parcel threshold value. In the exemplary arrangement adetermination is made as to the number of parcels now in the selectedparcel bundle to which incoming parcel has been added. A determinationis then made as represented by a step 882 concerning whether the numberof parcels in the parcel bundle is at or above the bundle transportparcel threshold value. Of course as previously discussed, otherparameters such as weight, volume, declared loss values or other factorsmay be included in determining if the parcels in the bundle have thepredetermined relationship to the stored bundle transport parcelthreshold value.

If in step 882 the determination is made that the parcels in theselected bundle to which the parcel has been added do not have thepredetermined relationship to the stored bundle transport parcelthreshold value, the central system circuitry operates to return to theready state to receive information about additional incoming parcels ina manner like that previously discussed. If however the determination ismade in step 882 that the selected bundle with the addition of theincoming parcel has the predetermined relationship with the bundletransport parcel threshold value, the central system circuitry thenoperates in accordance with its circuit executable instructions toselect a bundle handler at a step 884. This may be done in a manner likethat previously discussed in connection with offering and assigning aparcel transport assignment to a selected item carrier. The centralsystem circuitry is then operative to determine from the data stored inthe at least one data store, the handler device contact data associatedwith the contact device of the particular selected item handler. Thismay include for example, determining a telephone number or email addressassociated with the contact device of the particular item handler who isto be requested to transport the bundle from the receiving repository tothe bundle destination repository. This is represented by a step 886.

In the exemplary arrangement the central system circuitry is thenoperative to communicate with the item handler contact device. Thecommunication that is carried out with the item handler contact deviceincludes data corresponding to instructions to transport the bundleparcels in the bundle from the receiving repository to the bundledestination repository. This communication of such instructions isrepresented by step 888. In a manner like that previously discussed, theexemplary system circuitry is further operative to communicate with theitem handler contact device to provide credentials such as a one timeaccess code, token data or other authenticating information that willenable the item handler to access the compartment or compartments of thereceiving repository in which the bundle parcels of the bundle arecurrently located. This is represented by a step 890.

The exemplary central system circuitry may then operate in a manner likethat previously discussed to enable the item handler to access theparticular compartment or compartments in which the bundle parcels to betransported are located in the receiving repository. This may includereceiving identifying data from the item handler through at least oneinput device. Such identifying data may include for example, credentialinformation, data corresponding to a one time access code, or otherinformation that enables the authentication of the item handler as theindividual authorized to access the parcels in the compartment.Responsive to authenticating the data provided by the item handler, thecentral system circuitry is operative to unlock the lock or locks asappropriate to provide the item handler with access to the compartmentshousing the parcels in the parcel bundle. This is represented by a step892. In exemplary arrangements the central system circuitry may operatein ways like those previously discussed to verify the removal of theparcels from the compartment, document the taking of the parcels by theitem handler, track the transport of the parcels in the custody of theitem handler, guide the item handler to the bundle destinationrepository, and provide access to the item handler to the bundledestination repository. This is represented collectively in the logicflow by step 894.

It should be understood that in exemplary arrangements the steps carriedout by the central system circuitry previously described in connectionwith receiving the incoming parcel into the receiving repository, mayalso be carried out at the bundle destination repository for each of theparcels included in the transported parcel bundle. These actions arecarried out responsive to operation of the central system circuitry toassure that the appropriate parcels that require further transport fromthe bundle destination repository are each included with other outgoingparcels in a further outgoing bundle from the bundle destinationrepository. The process of including appropriate incoming parcels in theoutgoing bundles helps to assure that the transport of each of theparcels to the respective parcel destination repository and therespective parcel final delivery address, is accomplished in a promptand cost-effective manner. Of course these approaches are exemplary andin other arrangements other approaches may be used.

In exemplary arrangements the central system circuitry is also operativeto determine the need for a parcel bundle to be moved based on timelimitations that require a particular parcel that is included in abundle to be transported towards its respective parcel final deliveryaddress. This may be done for example in order to assure that the parcelis delivered at its final delivery address within the required time asestablished by a service level agreement or other commitment fordelivery that has been made by the operator of the system. As previouslydiscussed, in exemplary arrangements the at least one data store inoperative connection with the central system circuitry includes recorddata corresponding to a parcel final delivery time that is associatedwith each respective parcel identifier for which a delivery timecommitment has been made. Further in the exemplary arrangement the atleast one data store includes data corresponding to a remaining timethreshold value. In exemplary arrangements the remaining time thresholdvalue may be a value that is applicable to numerous different parcels ormay be a calculated value that is applicable to respective parcels thatare in the process of being transported through the system.

In the exemplary arrangement the central system circuitry is operativeto monitor the data corresponding to the parcel final delivery times andto make determinations as to whether the remaining parcel delivery timeassociated with a respective parcel identifier has a predeterminedrelationship with a remaining time threshold value. The determinedexistence of the predetermined relationship is indicative that theparticular parcel is required to undergo movement towards its finalparcel delivery address in order to assure the fulfillment of deliverycommitments that have been made. The exemplary central system circuitryoperates as represented in FIG. 59 to select a particular parcel foranalysis as represented by step 910. The central system circuitry isthen operative to make a determination of the parcel final delivery timeassociated with the parcel identifier for the selected parcel. This isrepresented by step 912. As previously discussed the parcel finaldelivery time may include a set time by which the parcel is required tobe delivered at its final destination address or other location.Alternatively the final delivery time may include a time window from acurrent time by the end of which time window the particular parcel isrequired to be at its final delivery address. Of course in otherarrangements other delivery time based values may be used.

The exemplary central circuitry is then operative to compare thedetermined parcel final delivery time and the stored remaining timethreshold value or values that are applicable to the particular parcel.This is represented by a step 914. As represented by step 916 thecentral system circuitry is then operative to determine if the finaldelivery time for the parcel has a predetermined relationship with theat least one remaining time threshold value. For example in someexemplary arrangements the central system circuitry may operate todetermine responsive to the clock function in operative connection withthe central circuitry, if the remaining time for delivery of therespective parcel at its final delivery address is at or below aremaining time threshold value that is applicable to the particularparcel.

If it is determined in a step 916 that the remaining time thresholdvalue does not have the predetermined relationship with the parcel finaldelivery time, the central system circuitry then proceeds to continue toselect and analyze the data associated with additional parcels anddetermine whether the respective time for final delivery may necessitateprompt parcel movement of the respective parcel. If however in step 916it is determined that the relationship between the parcel delivery timevalue and the remaining time threshold value is such that prompt parcelmovement is required, the central system circuitry then operates asrepresented in a step 918 to determine the particular parcel bundle inwhich the parcel is currently located. In exemplary arrangements thecentral system circuitry is further operative to determine theparticular repository in which the bundle is located. Steps are thencarried out in a manner like that previously discussed to arrange for anitem handler to transport the parcel bundle which includes the parcel tothe bundle destination. The instructions to a selected item handler tocarry out such transport helps to assure that each bundle and eachrespective parcel is moving towards its respective final parceldestination in a manner that will ensure on time delivery. Further inother exemplary arrangements the central system circuitry may operate tocause a particular parcel to be removed by an item handler from a bundlefor individualized handling in situations where the remaining time fordelivery has reached a critical value. This may be carried out by thecentral system circuitry instructing an item carrier to transport such acritical time parcel from the repository in which it is currentlylocated, to another repository that is closer to the final parceldelivery address and/or in critical situations to the final deliveryaddress of the parcel. Of course it should be understood that theseapproaches are exemplary and in other arrangements other approaches maybe used.

Thus the exemplary arrangements described herein achieve improvedoperation, eliminate difficulties encountered in the use of priordevices and systems, and achieve the useful results described herein.

In the foregoing description certain terms have been used for brevity,clarity and understanding. However no unnecessary limitations are to beimplied therefrom because such terms are used for descriptive purposesand are intended to be broadly construed. Moreover the descriptions andillustrations herein are by way of examples and the inventive featuresare not limited to the exact features shown and described.

Further in the following claims any feature described as a means forperforming a function shall be construed as encompassing any means knownto those skilled in the art as being capable of carrying out the recitedfunction, and shall not be deemed limited to only the particular meansshown or described for performing the recited function in the foregoingdescription, or mere equivalents thereof.

It should be understood that features and/or relationships associatedwith one arrangement can be combined with features and/or relationshipsfrom another arrangement. That is, various features and/or relationshipsfrom various arrangements can be combined in further arrangements. Theinventive scope of the disclosure is not limited only to thearrangements that have been shown and described.

In the foregoing description the referenced circuit executableinstructions or other stored data shall be deemed to be capable of beingincluded in a non-transitory computer readable medium. The term“non-transitory” with regard to a computer readable medium is intendedto exclude only the subject matter of a transitory signal, per se, wherethe medium itself may be transitory. The term “non-transitory” is notintended to exclude any other form of computer readable medium,including but not limited to a medium comprising data or executableinstructions that are only temporarily stored or stored in a temporarymanner no matter the duration of such storage.

Having described the features, discoveries and principles of theexemplary arrangements, the manner in which they are constructed andoperated, and the advantages and useful results attained, the new anduseful structures, devices, elements, arrangements, parts, combinations,systems, equipment, operations, methods, processes and relationships areset forth in the appended claims.

We claim:
 1. Apparatus comprising: central system circuitry, wherein thecentral system circuitry is in operative connection with at least onedata store, wherein the central system circuitry is configured to be inoperative connection with at least one wireless communication network, aplurality of geographically disposed parcel repositories, wherein eachrepository is selectively operable to accept and make available parcelsto authorized item handlers, wherein each repository includes a body,wherein the body includes a plurality of separated compartments, whereineach compartment has a respective opening and is configured to house atleast one parcel, a plurality of doors, wherein each door is movablymounted in operative connection with the body, wherein each door ismovable between a closed position, wherein in the closed position thedoor closes a respective compartment opening, and an open position,wherein in the open position the door is at least partially disposedaway from the respective compartment opening and the respectivecompartment is externally accessible from outside the body, a pluralityof locks, wherein each lock is in operative connection with a respectivedoor, wherein each lock is changeable between a locked condition,wherein in the locked condition the lock is operative to hold therespective door in the closed position, and an unlocked condition,wherein in the unlocked condition the respective door is movable fromthe closed position to the open position, repository control circuitry,wherein the repository control circuitry is in operative connectionwith, each of the plurality of locks, at least one input device, whereinthe at least one input device includes at least one wirelesstransceiver, wherein the at least one wireless transceiver is inoperative connection with the at least one wireless communicationnetwork, wherein the at least one data store includes data correspondingto each repository of the plurality of repositories, each of theplurality of compartments in each respective repository, a plurality oftransport base values, wherein the transport base values are usable tocalculate data corresponding to a respective parcel cost of transportbetween at least two respective repositories, a plurality ofgeographical catchment areas, wherein each geographical catchment areaincludes parcel final delivery addresses to which parcels may bedelivered, wherein data corresponding to one catchment area isassociated with data corresponding to one respective repository, aplurality of parcel identifiers, wherein each parcel identifier uniquelyidentifies one parcel, a plurality of parcel final delivery addresses,wherein one final delivery address is associated with each parcelidentifier, a plurality of parcel bundles, wherein the datacorresponding to each parcel bundle includes data corresponding to atleast one parcel identifier associated with at least one bundle parcelincluded in the bundle, a bundle repository corresponding to therespective repository in which the respective bundle is currentlylocated, a bundle compartment corresponding to the respectivecompartment in which the respective at least one bundle parcel iscurrently located, a bundle destination repository to which therespective bundle is to be transported, wherein the central systemcircuitry is operative to cause a) the at least one input device to beenabled to receive data corresponding to an incoming parcel identifierassociated with an incoming parcel to a receiving repository, b)responsive at least in part to the stored data corresponding to theparcel final delivery address associated with the incoming parcelidentifier and the data corresponding to the catchment areas,determination of a destination repository of the incoming parcel, c)determination that a plurality of outgoing parcel bundles are located inthe receiving repository d) responsive at least in part to the storeddata corresponding to the plurality of transport base values and thedata corresponding to the plurality of outgoing parcel bundles in thereceiving repository determined in (c), calculation of a plurality ofincoming parcel cost of transport values associated with transport ofthe incoming parcel from the receiving repository to the respectivedestination repository of the incoming parcel, that would result fromtransporting the incoming parcel in each of at least some of theplurality of respective outgoing bundles located in the receivingrepository, e) determination of a lowest calculated incoming parcel costof transport value of the plurality of calculated incoming parcel costof transport values, f) determination of a selected parcel bundleassociated with the lowest calculated incoming parcel cost of transportvalue, g) responsive at least in part to the stored data, determinationof a selected compartment in the receiving repository housing therespective at least one bundle parcel of the selected parcel bundle, h)responsive at least in part to the stored data, causing the respectivelock associated with the respective door of the selected compartment tobe changed from the locked condition to the unlocked condition, whereinthe selected compartment it is accessible to receive the incoming parceltherein.
 2. The apparatus according to claim 1 wherein subsequent to (f)the central system circuitry is operative to cause the datacorresponding to the parcel identifier associated with the incomingparcel to be included in the data corresponding to the selected parcelbundle.
 3. The apparatus according to claim 1 wherein prior tocompletion of (f) the central system circuitry is operative to cause i)a determination that the data corresponding to one of the plurality ofoutgoing parcel bundles in the receiving repository has an associatedbundle destination repository that is the destination repository for theincoming parcel, wherein responsive at least in part to thedetermination in (i), at least a portion of (e) is not carried out andin (f) the one bundle determined in (i) is determined to be the selectedparcel bundle.
 4. The apparatus according to claim wherein prior to (e)the central system circuitry is operative to cause i) responsive atleast in part to the stored data corresponding to the plurality oftransport base values, calculation of a new bundle incoming parcel costof transport value associated with transport of the incoming parceldirectly from the receiving repository to the destination repository ofthe incoming parcel, wherein in (e) the new bundle incoming parcel costof transport value is evaluated with the plurality of incoming parcelcost of transport values calculated in (d).
 5. The apparatus accordingto claim 1 wherein prior to (e) the central system circuitry isoperative to cause i) responsive at least in part to the stored datacorresponding to the plurality of transport base values, calculation ofa new bundle incoming parcel cost of transport value associated withtransport of the incoming parcel directly from the receiving repositoryto the destination repository of the incoming parcel, wherein in (e) thenew bundle incoming parcel cost of transport value is evaluated with theplurality of incoming parcel cost of transport values calculated in (d),wherein responsive at least in part to a determination in (e) that thenew bundle incoming parcel cost of transport value is the lowestcalculated incoming parcel cost of transport value, the central systemcircuitry is further operative to cause determination of an emptycompartment in the receiving repository, data corresponding to a newbundle to be stored in the at least one data store, wherein the datacorresponding to the new bundle includes data corresponding to theparcel identifier associated with the incoming parcel as the at leastone parcel identifier, the receiving repository as the bundlerepository, the empty compartment as the bundle compartment, and theincoming parcel destination repository as the bundle destinationrepository, wherein in (f) the new bundle corresponds to the selectedparcel bundle, wherein in (g) the empty compartment corresponds to theselected compartment, and wherein in (h) the respective lock associatedwith the respective door of the empty compartment is caused to bechanged from the locked condition to the unlocked condition.
 6. Theapparatus according to claim 1 wherein the at least one data storefurther includes data corresponding to contact data for each of aplurality of handler contact devices, wherein each handler contactdevice is associated with a respective item handler, a bundle transportparcel threshold value, wherein the central system circuitry isoperative to cause i) subsequent to (f) the data corresponding to theparcel identifier associated with the incoming parcel to be included inthe data corresponding to the selected parcel bundle, j) a determinationthat the plurality of bundle parcels in the selected bundle has apredetermined relationship with the bundle transport parcel thresholdvalue, k) responsive at least in part to the determination in (j),communication with a selected handler contact device, wherein thecommunication corresponds to an instruction to transport the selectedparcel bundle from the receiving repository to the bundle destinationrepository.
 7. The apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the at leastone data store further includes data corresponding to contact data foreach of a plurality of handler contact devices, wherein each handlercontact device is associated with a respective item handler, a bundletransport parcel threshold value, wherein the central system circuitryis operative to cause i) subsequent to (f) the data corresponding to theparcel identifier associated with the incoming parcel to be included inthe data corresponding to the selected parcel bundle, j) a determinationthat the plurality of bundle parcels in the selected bundle has apredetermined relationship with the bundle transport parcel thresholdvalue, k) responsive at least in part to the determination in (j), atleast one communication with a selected handler contact device, whereinthe at least one communication corresponds to an instruction totransport the selected parcel bundle from the receiving repository tothe bundle destination repository, and includes data corresponding to anaccess code, wherein responsive at least in part to receipt of theaccess code through the respective at least one input device inoperative connection with the receiving repository, the central systemcircuitry is operative to cause the respective lock associated with therespective door of the selected compartment to be changed from thelocked condition to the unlocked condition, whereby the selectedcompartment is accessible to have parcels in the selected parcel bundleremoved from the selected compartment.
 8. The apparatus according toclaim 1, wherein the at least one data store further includes datacorresponding to contact data for each of a plurality of handler contactdevices, wherein each handler contact device is associated with arespective item handler, a plurality of parcel final delivery times,wherein a respective parcel final delivery time is associated with eachrespective parcel identifier and corresponds to a time by which therespective parcel is required to be delivered at its respective finaldelivery address, a remaining time threshold value, wherein the centralsystem circuitry is in operative connection with a clock, wherein thecentral system circuitry is further operative to cause i) responsive atleast in part to the clock and the stored data corresponding to therespective final parcel delivery times, a determination that one parcelincluded in the selected parcel bundle has a respective final deliverytime that has a predetermined relationship with the remaining timethreshold value, j) responsive at least in part to the determination in(i), communication with a selected item handler contact device, whereinthe communication corresponds to an instruction to transport theselected parcel bundle from the receiving repository to the bundledestination repository.
 9. The apparatus according to claim 1 wherein in(a) the data corresponding to the incoming parcel identifier is receivedwirelessly through the at least one wireless transceiver from a portablewireless device.
 10. The apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the atleast one data store includes handler identifying data corresponding toeach of a plurality of authorized item handlers, wherein the centralsystem circuitry is further operative to cause prior to (h), i) the atleast one input device to be enabled to receive identifying data, j) adetermination that the received identifying data corresponds to storedhandler identifying data associated with an authorized item handler,wherein in (h) the respective lock is changed from the locked conditionto the unlocked condition responsive at least in part to thedetermination in (j).
 11. The apparatus according to claim 1 wherein theat least one data store includes data corresponding to contact data foreach of a plurality of handler contact devices, wherein each handlercontact device is associated with a respective item handler, handleridentifying data for each of a plurality of authorized item handlers,wherein the central system circuitry is further operative to cause priorto (h) i) the central system circuitry to operate to send to a selectedhandler contact device associated with a selected item handler, datacorresponding to a repository access code, j) the at least one inputdevice to be enabled to operate to receive input identifying data andinput code data, and k) at least one determination that the inputidentifying data corresponds to the selected item handler and that theinput code data corresponds to the repository access code, wherein in(h) the respective lock is changed from the locked condition to theunlocked condition responsive at least in part to the at least onedetermination in (k).
 12. The apparatus according to claim 1 wherein thedata corresponding to each of the plurality of transport base valuescorresponds to a cost of parcel transport between a respective pair ofrepositories, wherein in (d) each of the plurality of incoming parcelcost of transport values is calculated as a function of at least onerespective transport base value corresponding to parcel transportbetween the receiving repository and the respective bundle destinationrepository, and at least one respective transport base valuecorresponding to parcel transport between the respective bundledestination repository and the incoming parcel destination repository.13. The apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the at least one datastore includes data corresponding to at least one parcel handling basevalue, wherein the at least one parcel handling base value correspondsto cost of at least one of placing a parcel in a repository and removinga parcel from a repository for further transport, wherein the datacorresponding to each of the plurality of transport base valuescorresponds to a cost of parcel transport between a respective pair ofrepositories, wherein in (d) each of the plurality of incoming parcelcost of transport values is calculated as a function of at least onerespective transport base value corresponding to parcel transportbetween the receiving repository and the respective bundle destinationrepository, the at least one parcel handling base value and at least onerespective transport base value corresponding to parcel transportbetween the respective bundle destination repository and the incomingparcel destination repository.
 14. The apparatus according to claim 1wherein the data corresponding to each of the plurality of transportbase values corresponds to a cost of parcel transport between arespective repository and a respective immediately adjacent repository,wherein in (d) the calculation of each of the plurality of incomingparcel cost of transport values includes d1) determination of a lowestbase bundle destination repository path, wherein the lowest base bundledestination repository path extends between the respective receivingrepository and the respective bundle destination repository and througheach successive immediately adjacent intermediate repository between therespective receiving repository and respective bundle destinationrepository, and d2) determination of the respective transport basevalues that correspond to transport between each of the repositoriesalong the lowest base bundle destination repository path.
 15. Theapparatus according to claim 1 wherein the data corresponding to each ofthe plurality of transport base values corresponds to a cost of parceltransport between a respective repository and a respective immediatelyadjacent repository, wherein in (d) the calculation of each of theplurality of incoming parcel cost of transport values includes d1)determining a lowest base bundle destination repository path, whereinthe lowest base bundle destination repository path extends between therespective receiving repository and the respective bundle destinationrepository and through each successive immediately adjacent intermediaterepository between the respective receiving repository and respectivebundle destination repository, and d2) determination of the respectivetransport base values that correspond to transport between each of therepositories along the lowest base bundle destination repository path,and d3) determination of the lowest base incoming parcel destinationrepository path, wherein the lowest base incoming parcel destinationrepository path extends between the respective bundle destinationrepository and the incoming parcel destination repository and througheach successive immediately adjacent intermediate repository between therespective bundle destination repository and the incoming parceldestination repository, and d4) determination of the respectivetransport base values that correspond to transport between each of therepositories along the lowest base incoming parcel destinationrepository path.
 16. The apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the atleast one data store includes data corresponding to at least one parcelhandling base value, wherein the at least one parcel handling base valuecorresponds to at least one of placing a parcel in a repository andremoving a parcel from the repository for further transport, wherein thedata corresponding to each of the plurality of transport base valuescorresponds to a cost of parcel transport between a respectiverepository and a respective immediately adjacent repository, wherein in(d) the calculation of each of the plurality of incoming parcel cost oftransport values includes d1) determination of a lowest base bundledestination repository path, wherein the lowest base bundle destinationrepository path extends between the respective receiving repository andthe respective bundle destination repository and through each successiveimmediately adjacent intermediate repository between the respectivereceiving repository and respective bundle destination repository, andd2) determination of the respective transport base values thatcorrespond to transport between each of the repositories along thelowest base bundle destination repository path, and d3) determination ofthe lowest base incoming parcel destination repository path, wherein thelowest base incoming parcel destination repository path extends betweenthe respective bundle destination repository and the incoming parceldestination repository and through each successive immediately adjacentintermediate repository between the respective bundle destinationrepository and the incoming parcel destination repository, and d4)determination of the respective transport base values that correspond totransport between each of the repositories along the lowest baseincoming parcel destination repository path, and d5) determination ofthe parcel handling base value associated with the bundle destinationrepository.
 17. The apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the at leastone data store includes data corresponding to at least one parcelhandling base value, wherein the at least one parcel handling base valuecorresponds to at least one of placing a parcel in a respectiverepository and removing a parcel from the respective repository forfurther transport, wherein the data corresponding to each of theplurality of transport base values corresponds to a cost of parceltransport between a respective repository and a respective immediatelyadjacent repository, wherein in (d) the calculation of each of theplurality of incoming parcel cost of transport values includes d1)determination of a lowest base bundle destination repository path,wherein the lowest base bundle destination repository path extendsbetween the respective receiving repository and the respective bundledestination repository and through each successive immediately adjacentintermediate repository between the respective receiving repository andrespective bundle destination repository, and d2) determination of therespective transport base values that correspond to transport betweeneach of the repositories along the lowest base bundle destinationrepository path, and d3) determination of the lowest base incomingparcel destination repository path, wherein the lowest base incomingparcel destination repository path extends between the respective bundledestination repository and the incoming parcel destination repositoryand through each successive immediately adjacent intermediate repositorybetween the respective bundle destination repository and the incomingparcel destination repository, and d4) determination of the respectivetransport base values that correspond to transport between each of therepositories along the lowest base incoming parcel destinationrepository path, and d5) determination of the parcel handling base valueassociated with the bundle destination repository, wherein eachrespective incoming parcel cost of transport value is determined as afunction of the transport base values determined in (d2) and (d4) andthe parcel handling base value determined in (d5).
 18. The apparatusaccording to claim 1 wherein the at least one data store furtherincludes data corresponding to at least one parcel bundle quantityreduction value, wherein the at least one parcel bundle quantityreduction value is usable by the central system circuitry in (d) tocalculate the respective incoming parcel cost of transport values,wherein the central system circuitry in (d) is operative for eachrespective outgoing bundle for which a respective calculation of arespective incoming parcel cost of transport is made, to determine datacorresponding to a respective bundle quantity, wherein the respectivebundle quantity corresponds to a quantity of bundle parcels included inthe respective outgoing bundle, and wherein each respective incomingparcel cost of transport value is determined responsive at least in partto the at least one parcel bundle quantity reduction value and therespective data corresponding to the bundle quantity of the respectiveoutgoing bundle.
 19. The apparatus according to claim 1 wherein prior tothe completion of (f) the central system circuitry is operative to causei) determination that the data corresponding to none of the plurality ofoutgoing parcel bundles in the receiving repository has an associatedbundle destination repository that is the destination repository for theincoming parcel, j) subsequent to (i), determination that one of theplurality of outgoing parcel bundles in the receiving repositoryincludes a bundle parcel with a respective bundle parcel destinationrepository that is the destination repository of the incoming parcel,wherein responsive at least in part to the determination in (j), atleast a portion of (e) is not carried out and in (f) the one bundledetermined in (j) is determined to be the selected parcel bundle. 20.Apparatus comprising: central system circuitry, wherein the centralsystem circuitry is in operative connection with at least one datastore, wherein the central system circuitry is configured to be inoperative connection with at least one communication network, aplurality of geographically disposed parcel repositories, wherein eachrepository is selectively operable to accept and make available parcelsto authorized item handlers, wherein each repository includes aplurality of separated enclosed compartments, wherein each compartmenthas a respective opening and is configured to house at least one parcel,a plurality of doors, wherein each door is movably mounted in operativeconnection with the repository and wherein each respective door ismovable between a closed position, wherein in the closed position thedoor closes a respective compartment opening, and an open position,wherein in the open position the door is at least partially disposedaway from the respective compartment opening and the respectivecompartment is externally accessible from outside the repository, aplurality of locks, wherein each lock is in operative connection with arespective door, wherein each lock is changeable between a lockedcondition, wherein in the locked condition the lock is operative to holdthe respective door in the closed position, and an unlocked condition,wherein in the unlocked condition the respective door is movable fromthe closed position to the open position, wherein each repository is inoperative connection with repository control circuitry, wherein therepository control circuitry is in operative connection with each of theplurality of locks, at least one input device, and the at least onecommunication network, wherein the at least one data store includes datacorresponding to each repository of the plurality of repositories, eachof the plurality of compartments of each respective repository, aplurality of transport base values, wherein the transport base valuesare usable to calculate a respective parcel cost of transport betweenrespective repositories, a plurality of geographical catchment areas,wherein the data corresponding to a respective repository is associatedwith the data corresponding to a respective catchment area, a pluralityof parcel identifiers, wherein each parcel identifier is associated witha respective parcel, a plurality of parcel delivery addresses, wherein arespective parcel delivery address is associated with a respectiveparcel identifier, a plurality of outgoing parcel bundles currentlylocated in a parcel receiving repository, wherein the receivingrepository is configured to receive parcels in at least one compartmentof the receiving repository, wherein the data corresponding to eachparcel bundle includes data corresponding to at least one parcelidentifier associated with at least one bundle parcel included in therespective parcel bundle, a bundle compartment corresponding to arespective compartment of the receiving repository in which therespective at least one bundle parcel of the respective parcel bundle iscurrently located, a bundle destination repository to which therespective parcel bundle will be transported, wherein the central systemcircuitry is operative to cause a) the at least one input device inoperative connection with the receiving repository to be enabled toreceive data corresponding to an incoming parcel identifier associatedwith an incoming parcel to the receiving repository, b) responsive atleast in part to the stored data corresponding to the parcel deliveryaddress associated with the incoming parcel identifier and the storeddata corresponding to the respective catchment area in which the parceldelivery address is located, determination of an incoming parceldestination repository associated with the incoming parcel, c)responsive at least in part to the stored data corresponding to theplurality of transport base values and the data corresponding to theplurality of outgoing parcel bundles in the receiving repository,calculation of a plurality of incoming parcel cost of transport values,wherein each calculated incoming parcel cost of transport value isassociated with transport of the incoming parcel from the receivingrepository to the respective bundle destination repository associatedwith a respective parcel bundle, and then from the respective bundledestination repository to the incoming parcel destination repository, d)determination of a lowest calculated incoming parcel cost of transportvalue among the plurality of incoming parcel cost of transport valuescalculated in (c), e) determination of a selected parcel bundleassociated with the lowest calculated incoming parcel cost of transportvalue determined in (d), f) responsive at least in part to thedetermination in (e), causing a respective lock associated with therespective door controlling access to a selected compartment in thereceiving repository housing the at least one bundle parcel of theselected parcel bundle, to be changed from the locked condition to theunlocked condition, whereby the incoming parcel is enabled to be placedin the selected compartment.
 21. The apparatus according to claim 20wherein the central system circuitry is further operative to cause adetermination that the data corresponding to one parcel bundle locatedin the receiving repository corresponds to a bundle destinationrepository that is the same as the incoming parcel destinationrepository, wherein in (e), the selected parcel bundle corresponds tothe one parcel bundle.
 22. The apparatus according to claim 20 whereinthe central system circuitry is operative to cause g) determination thatthe data corresponding to none of the plurality of parcel bundles in thereceiving repository has an associated bundle destination repositorythat is the destination repository for the incoming parcel, h)subsequent to (g), determination that one of the plurality of parcelbundles in the receiving repository includes a bundle parcel with arespective bundle parcel destination repository that is the same as theincoming parcel destination repository, wherein in (e) the selectedparcel bundle corresponds to the one parcel bundle.
 23. The apparatusaccording to claim 20 wherein the at least one data store includes datacorresponding to at least one parcel bundle quantity reduction value,wherein the at least one parcel bundle quantity reduction value isusable by the central system circuitry in (c) to calculate therespective incoming parcel cost of transport values, wherein the centralsystem circuitry in (c) is operative for each respective parcel bundlefor which a respective calculation of a respective incoming parcel costof transport is made, to determine data corresponding to a respectivebundle quantity, wherein the respective bundle quantity corresponds to aquantity of bundle parcels included in the respective parcel bundle, andwherein each respective incoming parcel cost of transport value isdetermined responsive at least in part to the at least one parcel bundlequantity reduction value and the respective data corresponding to thebundle quantity of the respective parcel bundle.
 24. The apparatusaccording to claim 20 wherein the transport base values each correspondto transport between respective pairs of repositories.
 25. The apparatusaccording to claim 20 wherein each transport base value corresponds totransport between a respective repository and a respective immediatelyadjacent repository, wherein in (c) the calculation of each of theplurality of incoming parcel cost of transport values includes c1)determination of a lowest base bundle destination repository path,wherein the lowest base bundle destination repository path extendsbetween the respective receiving repository and the respective bundledestination repository and through each successive immediately adjacentintermediate repository between the respective receiving repository andthe respective bundle destination repository, and c2) determination ofthe respective transport base values that correspond to transportbetween each of the repositories in the lowest base bundle destinationrepository path, and c3) determination of the lowest base incomingparcel destination repository path, wherein the lowest base incomingparcel destination repository path extends between the respective bundledestination repository and the incoming parcel destination repositoryand through each successive immediately adjacent intermediate repositorybetween the respective bundle destination repository and the incomingparcel destination repository, and c4) determination of the respectivetransport base values that correspond to transport between each of therepositories in the lowest base incoming parcel destination repositorypath.
 26. The apparatus according to claim 20 wherein the at least onedata store further includes data corresponding to at least one parcelhandling base value, wherein the at least one parcel handling base valueis associated with at least one of placing a parcel in and removing aparcel from a repository, wherein each transport base value correspondsto transport between a respective repository and a respectiveimmediately adjacent repository, wherein in (c) the calculation of eachof the plurality of incoming parcel cost of transport values includesc1) determination of a lowest base bundle destination repository path,wherein the lowest base bundle destination repository path extendsbetween the respective receiving repository and the respective bundledestination repository and through each successive immediately adjacentintermediate repository between the respective receiving repository andthe respective bundle destination repository, and c2) determination ofthe respective transport base values that correspond to transportbetween each of the repositories in the lowest base bundle destinationrepository path, and c3) determination of the lowest base incomingparcel destination repository path, wherein the lowest base incomingparcel destination repository path extends between the respective bundledestination repository and the incoming parcel destination repositoryand through each successive immediately adjacent intermediate repositorybetween the respective bundle destination repository and the incomingparcel destination repository, and c4) determination of the respectivetransport base values that correspond to transport between each of therepositories in the lowest base incoming parcel destination repositorypath, and wherein each respective incoming parcel cost of transportvalue is a function of the respective transport base values determinedin (c2) and (c4) and the at least one parcel handling base value. 27.The apparatus according to claim 20 wherein the at least one data storefurther includes data corresponding to contact data for each of aplurality of handler contact devices, wherein each handler contactdevice is associated with the respective item handler, a bundletransport parcel threshold value, wherein the central system circuitryis operative to cause g) subsequent to (e), data corresponding to theparcel identifier associated with the incoming parcel to be included inthe data corresponding to the at least one bundle parcel of the selectedparcel bundle, h) subsequent to (g) determination that the plurality ofbundle parcels in the selected bundle and the bundle transport parcelthreshold value have a predetermined relationship, i) responsive atleast in part to the determination in (h), communication with a selectedhandler contact device, wherein the communication corresponds to aninstruction to transport the selected bundle from the receivingrepository to the bundle destination repository associated with theselected bundle.
 28. The apparatus according to claim 20 wherein the atleast one data store includes data corresponding to contact data foreach of a plurality of handler contact devices, wherein each handlercontact device is associated with the respective item handler, aplurality of parcel final delivery times, wherein each respective parcelfinal delivery time is associated with a respective parcel identifierassociated with a respective bundle parcel, wherein the respectiveparcel final delivery time corresponds to a time by or in which therespective parcel is required to be delivered at its associated deliveryaddress, a remaining time threshold value, wherein the central systemcircuitry is in operative connection with a clock, wherein the centralsystem circuitry is operative to cause responsive at least in part tothe clock, determination that a bundle parcel included in the selectedparcel bundle has a respective final delivery time that has apredetermined relationship with the remaining time threshold value, h)responsive at least in part to the determination in (g), communicationwith a selected item handler contact device, wherein the communicationcorresponds to an instruction to transport the selected parcel bundlefrom the receiving repository to the destination repository associatedwith the bundle selected parcel bundle.